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Use of broken or risky cryptographic algorithm

Description

DES, TripleDES, RC2, and RC4 are considered broken or insecure cryptographic algorithms. Newer algorithms apply message integrity to validate ciphertext and prevent tampering. Consider using ChaCha20Poly1305 instead, as it is easier and faster than alternatives like AES-256-GCM.

Examples

Insecure Code

python
cryptography.hazmat.primitives.ciphers.algorithms.ARC4()

Secure Code

python
from cryptography.hazmat.primitives.ciphers.aead import ChaCha20Poly1305
key = ChaCha20Poly1305.generate_key()
chacha = ChaCha20Poly1305(key)

Remediation

Replace the insecure algorithm with a secure one like ChaCha20Poly1305 or AES-256-GCM, and ensure nonce values are regenerated every time they are used.

Rule Details

FieldValue
IDCODE-0124
CategoryCrypto
SeverityMEDIUM
CWECWE-327
ConfidenceHIGH
ImpactMEDIUM
LikelihoodMEDIUM
ExploitabilityEASY
Tagsinsecure algorithm, cryptographic failure
OWASPA3:2017-Sensitive Data Exposure, A02:2021-Cryptographic Failures