CWE-356: Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions

BaseIncomplete

The product's user interface does not warn the user before undertaking an unsafe action on behalf of that user. This makes it easier for attackers to trick users into inflicting damage to their system.

View on MITRE
Back to CWE Lookup

Extended Description

Product systems should warn users that a potentially dangerous action may occur if the user proceeds. For example, if the user downloads a file from an unknown source and attempts to execute the file on their machine, then the application's GUI can indicate that the file is unsafe.

Technical Details

Structure
Simple

Applicable To

Languages
Not Language-Specific
Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-356: Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions?+

CWE-356: Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product's user interface does not warn the user before undertaking an unsafe action on behalf of that user. This makes it easier for attackers to trick users into inflicting damage to their system. Product systems should warn users that a potentially dangerous action may occur if the user proceeds. For example, if the user downloads a file from an unknown source and attempts to execute the file on their machine, then the application's GUI can indicate that the file is unsafe.

What are the security consequences of Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions?+

If exploited, CWE-356 (Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions) it can compromise Non-Repudiation, leading to outcomes such as Hide Activities.

Which programming languages are affected by Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions?+

CWE-356 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 Product UI does not Warn User of Unsafe Actions?+

MITRE documents real CVEs mapped to CWE-356, including CVE-1999-1055, CVE-1999-0794, CVE-2000-0277, CVE-2000-0517 and CVE-2005-0602. 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-356 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.

Learn More