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Weakness (CWE)

CWE-332: Insufficient Entropy in PRNG

Variant Draft

The lack of entropy available for, or used by, a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) can be a stability and security threat.

How to prevent it (3 mitigations)

  1. Architecture and Design, Requirements

    Use products or modules that conform to FIPS 140-2 [REF-267] to avoid obvious entropy problems. Consult FIPS 140-2 Annex C ("Approved Random Number Generators").

  2. Implementation

    Consider a PRNG that re-seeds itself as needed from high-quality pseudo-random output, such as hardware devices.

  3. Architecture and Design

    When deciding which PRNG to use, look at its sources of entropy. Depending on what your security needs are, you may need to use a random number generator that always uses strong random data -- i.e., a random number generator that attempts to be strong but will fail in a weak way or will always provide some middle ground of protection through techniques like re-seeding. Generally, something that always provides a predictable amount of strength is preferable.

Source: MITRE CWE-332

All Critical High Medium Low Exploited only Public exploit

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