Run static analysis (SAST) on the codebase looking for the unsafe pattern in the data flow.
CWE-612 Base Draft
Improper Authorization of Index Containing Sensitive Information
This vulnerability occurs when a system indexes sensitive documents for search but fails to properly restrict who can query that index. Attackers can then discover and extract confidential…
Definition
What is CWE-612?
This vulnerability occurs when a system indexes sensitive documents for search but fails to properly restrict who can query that index. Attackers can then discover and extract confidential information from the indexed content without having direct access to the original files.
Many applications build search indexes to help users quickly find documents. However, if the index itself isn't protected with the same authorization checks as the original documents, it becomes a backdoor. An unauthorized user can perform targeted searches and view snippets or metadata from private files, effectively bypassing the intended security controls.
The risk is highest when search results include surrounding context or text fragments beyond the exact search term. This can happen when search engines are misconfigured to index directories or files that should be excluded. Even without permission to download a full document, an attacker can piece together sensitive information through repeated, clever queries against the exposed index.
Real-world impact
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-612
-
A search application's access control rules are not properly applied to indices for data streams, allowing for the viewing of sensitive information.
How attackers exploit it
Step-by-step attacker path
- 1
Identify a code path that handles untrusted input without validation.
- 2
Craft a payload that exercises the unsafe behavior — injection, traversal, overflow, or logic abuse.
- 3
Deliver the payload through a normal request and observe the application's reaction.
- 4
Iterate until the response leaks data, executes attacker code, or escalates privileges.
Vulnerable code example
Vulnerable pseudo
MITRE has not published a code example for this CWE. The pattern below is illustrative — see Resources for canonical references.
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
// Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
return executeUnsafe(input);
} Secure code example
Secure pseudo
// Validate, sanitize, or use a safe API before reaching the sink.
function handleRequest(input) {
const safe = validateAndEscape(input);
return executeWithGuards(safe);
} What changed: the unsafe sink is replaced (or the input is validated/escaped) so the same payload no longer triggers the weakness.
Prevention checklist
How to prevent CWE-612
- Architecture Use safe-by-default frameworks and APIs that prevent the unsafe pattern from being expressible.
- Implementation Validate input at trust boundaries; use allowlists, not denylists.
- Implementation Apply the principle of least privilege to credentials, file paths, and runtime permissions.
- Testing Cover this weakness in CI: SAST rules + targeted unit tests for the data flow.
- Operation Monitor logs for the runtime signals listed in the next section.
Detection signals
How to detect CWE-612
Run dynamic application security testing against the live endpoint.
Watch runtime logs for unusual exception traces, malformed input, or authorization bypass attempts.
Code review: flag any new code that handles input from this surface without using the validated framework helpers.
Plexicus auto-detects CWE-612 and opens a fix PR in under 60 seconds.
Codex Remedium scans every commit, identifies this exact weakness, and ships a reviewer-ready pull request with the patch. No tickets. No hand-offs.
Frequently asked questions What is CWE-612?
How serious is CWE-612?
What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-612?
How can I prevent CWE-612?
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-612?
Where can I learn more about CWE-612?
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-612?
This vulnerability occurs when a system indexes sensitive documents for search but fails to properly restrict who can query that index. Attackers can then discover and extract confidential information from the indexed content without having direct access to the original files.
How serious is CWE-612?
MITRE has not published a likelihood-of-exploit rating for this weakness. Treat it as medium-impact until your threat model proves otherwise.
What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-612?
MITRE has not specified affected platforms for this CWE — it can apply across most application stacks.
How can I prevent CWE-612?
Use safe-by-default frameworks, validate untrusted input at trust boundaries, and apply the principle of least privilege. Cover the data-flow signature in CI with SAST.
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-612?
Plexicus's SAST engine matches the data-flow signature for CWE-612 on every commit. When a match is found, our Codex Remedium agent opens a fix PR with the corrected code, tests, and a one-line summary for the reviewer.
Where can I learn more about CWE-612?
MITRE publishes the canonical definition at https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/612.html. You can also reference OWASP and NIST documentation for adjacent guidance.
Related weaknesses
Weaknesses related to CWE-612
CWE-1230 Parent
Exposure of Sensitive Information Through Metadata
This vulnerability occurs when an application protects the primary source of sensitive data but fails to secure the metadata derived from…
CWE-202 Sibling
Exposure of Sensitive Information Through Data Queries
This vulnerability occurs when an attacker uses statistical analysis on aggregated or anonymized data to uncover sensitive details about…
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