Classification

Overview

The method of string comparison is used that does not protect against timing attacks.

Common methods of string comparison terminate the operation after handling the first non-equal pair of characters. Thus, the operating time of the method depends on the length of the matching prefixes. An attacker can use this information to compromise valuable data. When working with the valuable data, such as encryption keys, secure methods of comparison must be used.

References

1. A Lesson In Timing Attacks - codahale.com
2. constantTimeEquals - playframework.com
3. OWASP Top 10 2017-A3-Sensitive Data Exposure
4. CWE CATEGORY: OWASP Top Ten 2017 Category A6 - Security Misconfiguration