Because it is easy to extract strings from an application source code or binary, credentials should not be hard-coded. This is particularly true
for applications that are distributed or that are open-source.
In the past, it has led to the following vulnerabilities:
Credentials should be stored outside of the code in a configuration file, a database, or a management service for secrets.
This rule flags instances of hard-coded credentials used in database and LDAP connections. It looks for hard-coded credentials in connection
strings, and for variable names that match any of the patterns from the provided list.
Ask Yourself Whether
- Credentials allow access to a sensitive component like a database, a file storage, an API or a service.
- Credentials are used in production environments.
- Application re-distribution is required before updating the credentials.
There is a risk if you answered yes to any of those questions.
Recommended Secure Coding Practices
- Store the credentials in a configuration file that is not pushed to the code repository.
- Store the credentials in a database.
- Use your cloud provider’s service for managing secrets.
- If a password has been disclosed through the source code: change it.
Sensitive Code Example
{
"username": "root",
"password": "qwerty123",
"url": "https://example.com/login?user=root&password=qwerty123"
}
Compliant Solution
{
"username": "root",
"password": "${MY_APP_PASSWORD}",
"url": "https://example.com/login?user=root&password=${MY_APP_PASSWORD}"
}
See
