CWE-525

Use of Web Browser Cache Containing Sensitive Information

Weakness Description

The web application does not use an appropriate caching policy that specifies the extent to which each web page and associated form fields should be cached.

Potential Mitigations

Architecture and Design

Protect information stored in cache.

Architecture and DesignImplementation

Use a restrictive caching policy for forms and web pages that potentially contain sensitive information.

Architecture and Design

Do not store unnecessarily sensitive information in the cache.

Architecture and Design

Consider using encryption in the cache.

Common Consequences

Confidentiality
Read Application Data

Browsers often store information in a client-side cache, which can leave behind sensitive information for other users to find and exploit, such as passwords or credit card numbers. The locations at most risk include public terminals, such as those in libraries and Internet cafes.

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