Automated static analysis, commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), can find some instances of this weakness by analyzing source code (or binary/compiled code) without having to execute it. Typically, this is done by building a model of data flow and control flow, then searching for potentially-vulnerable patterns that connect "sources" (origins of input) with "sinks" (destinations where the data interacts with external components, a lower layer such as the OS, etc.)
CWE-615 Variant Incomplete
Inclusion of Sensitive Information in Source Code Comments
This vulnerability occurs when developers leave sensitive details within source code comments. These can include internal file paths, hidden URLs, inactive code snippets, credentials, or other…
Definition
What is CWE-615?
This vulnerability occurs when developers leave sensitive details within source code comments. These can include internal file paths, hidden URLs, inactive code snippets, credentials, or other information meant for internal use only.
Comments containing sensitive data act as a roadmap for attackers. By scanning these comments, an attacker can uncover the application's internal structure, discover hidden files or administrative endpoints, and piece together how the software works, significantly reducing the effort needed to plan an attack.
To prevent this, treat comments as part of your public-facing code. Establish a review process to scrub comments before deployment, and use environment variables or secure configuration files for any operational details like paths or links. Remember, if it shouldn't be seen by users, it shouldn't be in the comments.
Real-world impact
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-615
-
Version numbers and internal hostnames leaked in HTML comments.
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CMS places full pathname of server in HTML comment.
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blog software leaks real username in HTML comment.
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 JSP
The following comment, embedded in a JSP, will be displayed in the resulting HTML output.
<!-- FIXME: calling this with more than 30 args kills the JDBC server --> 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-615
- Distribution Remove comments which have sensitive information about the design/implementation of the application. Some of the comments may be exposed to the user and affect the security posture of the application.
Detection signals
How to detect CWE-615
Plexicus auto-detects CWE-615 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-615?
How serious is CWE-615?
What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-615?
How can I prevent CWE-615?
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-615?
Where can I learn more about CWE-615?
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-615?
This vulnerability occurs when developers leave sensitive details within source code comments. These can include internal file paths, hidden URLs, inactive code snippets, credentials, or other information meant for internal use only.
How serious is CWE-615?
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-615?
MITRE has not specified affected platforms for this CWE — it can apply across most application stacks.
How can I prevent CWE-615?
Remove comments which have sensitive information about the design/implementation of the application. Some of the comments may be exposed to the user and affect the security posture of the application.
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-615?
Plexicus's SAST engine matches the data-flow signature for CWE-615 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-615?
MITRE publishes the canonical definition at https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/615.html. You can also reference OWASP and NIST documentation for adjacent guidance.
Related weaknesses
Weaknesses related to CWE-615
CWE-540 Parent
Inclusion of Sensitive Information in Source Code
This vulnerability occurs when sensitive information like passwords, API keys, or internal logic is exposed within source code that…
CWE-531 Sibling
Inclusion of Sensitive Information in Test Code
This vulnerability occurs when sensitive data, such as credentials, API keys, or internal logic, is embedded within test code or debugging…
CWE-541 Sibling
Inclusion of Sensitive Information in an Include File
This vulnerability occurs when sensitive data like passwords or system details is placed inside a publicly accessible include file.…
CWE-546 Peer
Suspicious Comment
This weakness occurs when code contains comments that flag potential issues, such as bugs, security gaps, or unfinished work, which can…
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