Weak encryption algorithm (DES) used for password detected.

• Rule ID: java_lang_weak_password_encryption_des
• Languages: java
• Source: weak_password_encryption_des.yml

Description

According to OWASP, DES (Data Encryption Standard) is considered a weak encryption algorithm and therefore shouldn't be used.

Moreover, since encryption is reversible, it is possible to retrieve the plaintext value. This makes encryption a bad choice for passwords. Instead, passwords should be hashed.

Remediations

❌ Do not use encryption for passwords, wherever possible.

✅ Use a recommended hashing library for passwords

  MessageDigest md = MessageDigest.getInstance("SHA-256");

Resources

• Java MessageDigest class

Associated CWE

• CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength
• CWE-327: Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm
• CWE-916: Use of Password Hash With Insufficient Computational Effort

OWASP Top 10

• A02:2021 - Cryptographic Failures

Configuration

To skip this rule during a scan, use the following flag

bearer scan /path/to/your-project/ --skip-rule=java_lang_weak_password_encryption_des

To run only this rule during a scan, use the following flag

bearer scan /path/to/your-project/ --only-rule=java_lang_weak_password_encryption_des