Configuration error attack

Definition
Configuration error attacks "exploit configuration weaknesses found in software."

Overview
"Software may come with unnecessary and unsafe features, such as debug and QA features, enabled by default. These features may provide a means for an attacker to bypass authentication methods and gain access to sensitive information, perhaps with elevated privileges. Likewise, default installations may include well-known usernames and passwords, hard-coded [[backdoor accounts, special access mechanisms, and incorrect permissions set for files accessible through web servers. Default samples may be accessible in production environments. Configuration files that are not properly locked down may reveal clear text connection strings to the database, and default settings in configuration files may not have been set with security in mind. All of these misconfigurations may lead to unauthorised access to sensitive information."