CWE-219: Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root

VariantDraft

The product stores sensitive data under the web document root with insufficient access control, which might make it accessible to untrusted parties.

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Extended Description

Besides public-facing web pages and code, products may store sensitive data, code that is not directly invoked, or other files under the web document root of the web server. If the server is not configured or otherwise used to prevent direct access to those files, then attackers may obtain this sensitive data.

Technical Details

Structure
Simple

Applicable To

Languages
Not Language-Specific
Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-219: Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root?+

CWE-219: Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product stores sensitive data under the web document root with insufficient access control, which might make it accessible to untrusted parties. Besides public-facing web pages and code, products may store sensitive data, code that is not directly invoked, or other files under the web document root of the web server. If the server is not configured or otherwise used to prevent direct access to those files, then attackers may obtain this sensitive data.

What are the security consequences of Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root?+

If exploited, CWE-219 (Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root) it can compromise Confidentiality, leading to outcomes such as Read Application Data.

How do you prevent or mitigate Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root?+

Recommended mitigations for CWE-219 include: Avoid storing information under the web root directory. Access control permissions should be set to prevent reading/writing of sensitive files inside/outside of the web directory.

Which programming languages are affected by Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root?+

CWE-219 commonly affects Not Language-Specific. Note that weaknesses are often language-agnostic patterns, so secure coding practices apply broadly.

What are real-world examples of Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root?+

MITRE documents real CVEs mapped to CWE-219, including CVE-2005-1835, CVE-2005-2217, CVE-2002-1449, CVE-2002-0943 and CVE-2005-1645. You can look up the full details of each CVE, including CVSS scores and remediation guidance, on our CVE Lookup tool.

What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+

A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-219 describes a category of software weakness — the underlying flaw type. A CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifies a specific, real-world vulnerability in a particular product. In short, a CWE is the kind of mistake, and a CVE is an instance of that mistake being found in software.

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