CWE-536: Servlet Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
A servlet error message indicates that there exists an unhandled exception in your web application code and may provide useful information to an attacker.
View on MITRETechnical Details
- Structure
- Simple
Applicable To
Security Consequences
Scope
Impact
The error message may contain the location of the file in which the offending function is located. This may disclose the web root's absolute path as well as give the attacker the location of application files or configuration information. It may even disclose the portion of code that failed. In many cases, an attacker can use the data to launch further attacks against the system.
Mitigation Strategies
No mitigation information available for this CWE.
Detection Methods
No detection method information available for this CWE.
Code Examples & CVEs
Demonstrative Examples
The following servlet code does not catch runtime exceptions, meaning that if such an exception were to occur, the container may display potentially dangerous information (such as a full stack trace).
CWE Relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-536: Servlet Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information?+
CWE-536: Servlet Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. A servlet error message indicates that there exists an unhandled exception in your web application code and may provide useful information to an attacker.
What are the security consequences of Servlet Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information?+
If exploited, CWE-536 (Servlet Runtime Error Message Containing Sensitive Information) it can compromise Confidentiality, leading to outcomes such as Read Application Data.
What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+
A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-536 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.