CWE-5: J2EE Misconfiguration: Data Transmission Without Encryption
Information sent over a network can be compromised while in transit. An attacker may be able to read or modify the contents if the data are sent in plaintext or are weakly encrypted.
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Overview
CWE-5 (J2EE Misconfiguration: Data Transmission Without Encryption) is a variant-level software weakness catalogued by MITRE in the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE). It describes a recurring type of mistake that can lead to exploitable security vulnerabilities.
Real-world CVEs
2 recorded CVEs are caused by CWE-5 (J2EE Misconfiguration: Data Transmission Without Encryption). The highest-severity and most recent are shown first. 1 new CWE-5 CVE has been recorded so far in 2026 (1 in 2025).
Common consequences
What can happen when CWE-5 is exploited.
Read Application Data
Affects: Confidentiality
Modify Application Data
Affects: Integrity
How it happens
When it is introduced
Typically introduced during these phases of the software lifecycle.
Applies to
Languages
How to prevent it
Practical mitigations for CWE-5, grouped by where in the lifecycle they apply.
The product configuration should ensure that SSL or an encryption mechanism of equivalent strength and vetted reputation is used for all access-controlled pages.
Terminology & mappings
Mapped taxonomies
- 7 Pernicious Kingdoms: J2EE Misconfiguration: Insecure Transport
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about CWE-5.
- What is CWE-5?
- Information sent over a network can be compromised while in transit. An attacker may be able to read or modify the contents if the data are sent in plaintext or are weakly encrypted.
- What CVEs are caused by CWE-5?
- 2 recorded CVEs are attributed to CWE-5, including CVE-2025-52435, CVE-2025-65297.
- How do you prevent CWE-5?
- The product configuration should ensure that SSL or an encryption mechanism of equivalent strength and vetted reputation is used for all access-controlled pages.
- What are the consequences of CWE-5?
- Exploiting CWE-5 can lead to: Read Application Data, Modify Application Data.
- Is CWE-5 actively exploited?
- 2 recorded CVEs are caused by CWE-5; none are currently in CISA's KEV catalog of actively exploited flaws.
References
- MITRE CWE definition (CWE-5) (opens in a new tab)
- CWE-5 vulnerabilities on NVD (opens in a new tab)
- Learn: What is a CWE?
Weakness data is sourced from the MITRE CWE catalog (v4.20). CVE associations are aggregated and kept current by RadicalNotion.AI.
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