CAPEC-133
Try All Common Switches
An attacker attempts to invoke all common switches and options in the target application for the purpose of discovering weaknesses in the target. For example, in some applications, adding a --debug switch causes debugging information to be displayed, which can sometimes reveal sensitive processing or configuration information to an attacker. This attack differs from other forms of API abuse in that the attacker is indiscriminately attempting to invoke options in the hope that one of them will work rather than specifically targeting a known option. Nonetheless, even if the attacker is familiar with the published options of a targeted application this attack method may still be fruitful as it might discover unpublicized functionality.
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Explain the attack pattern CAPEC-133: Try All Common Switches: how it unfolds, what it needs and how to prevent and detect it in my systems. Use https://capec.mitre.org/data/definitions/133.html and https://cve.bz/cve/capec/133?via=ask-ai-copy, which lists recent CVEs with the weaknesses it exploits. Cite the sources.Opens a third-party assistant; its answer is its own, not cve.bz's. The prompt holds only this attack pattern's id and public links.
How the attack unfolds
Explore
The attacker looks for a way in.
[Identify application] Discover an application of interest by exploring service registry listings or by connecting on a known port or some similar means.
2 techniques
- Search via internet for known, published applications that allow option switches.
- Use automated tools to scan known ports to identify applications that might be accessible
[Authenticate to application] Authenticate to the application, if required, in order to explore it.
3 techniques
- Use published credentials to access system.
- Find unpublished credentails to access service.
- Use other attack pattern or weakness to bypass authentication.
Experiment
They probe what they found.
[Try all common switches] Using manual or automated means, attempt to run the application with many different known common switches. Observe the output to see if any switches seemed to put the application in a non production mode that might give more information.
2 techniques
- Manually execute the application with switches such as --debug, --test, --development, --verbose, etc.
- Use automated tools to run the application with common switches and observe the output
Exploit
They carry out the attack.
[Use sensitive processing or configuration information] Once extra information is observed from an application through the use of a common switch, this information is used to aid other attacks on the application
1 technique
- Using application information, formulate an attack on the application
Prerequisites
The attacker must be able to control the options or switches sent to the target.
Resources required
None: No specialized resources are required to execute this type of attack. The only requirement is the ability to send requests to the target.
Mitigations
Design: Minimize switch and option functionality to only that necessary for correct function of the command.
Implementation: Remove all debug and testing options from production code.
Weaknesses it exploits
- CWE-912 Hidden Functionality
Recent CVEs with these weaknesses
- 6.1CVE-2026-112169
Magistra software contains undocumented backdoor functionality that allows authentication bypass and the creation of a privileged user account without credential verification.
- 8.9CVE-2026-118579
A weakness has been identified in D-Link DIR-505 1.10B02. The impacted element is the function main of the file /secmark1524.cgi of the component Web Management CGI. This manipulation of the argument accu/pass/code/hash/cmds causes backdoo…
- 7.0CVE-2026-114353
Hidden functionality (undocumented backdoor) in the root-privileged 'assistant' daemon in DJI CrystalSky ZS600C firmware v0.3.9.7 through v0.6.6.9 on Android allows a physically-present attacker with USB access to execute arbitrary OS comm…
- 8.6CVE-2026-97627
Hidden functionality issue exists in Multiple DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) provided by Atsumi Electric Co., Ltd. A user who can log in to the product with the administrator privilege may execute arbitrary OS commands.
- 6.9CVE-2026-100737
Hidden functionality issue exists in Multiple DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) provided by Atsumi Electric Co., Ltd. A user who can log in to the product with the administrator privilege may upgrade the affected product to unauthorized firmw…
- 7.4CVE-2026-112360
A security vulnerability has been detected in Netis EAP930 1.250905.115454. This issue affects the function return200 of the file /cgi-bin/debug of the component CGI Endpoint. The manipulation of the argument SIGNATURE leads to backdoor. T…
- 9.3CVE-2026-82829
Hitachi Coding Software Suite contains a vulnerability related to Hidden Functionality vulnerability which allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access by exploiting hidden accounts or hard coded credentials. This issue affects Hitachi…
- 8.7CVE-2026-80217
Hidden functionality issue exists in FF-RFI079I4 and FF-RFI078I4, which may allow a user who can log in via SSH and access the enable mode on the product to execute arbitrary OS commands.
The newest records naming one of them. Each weakness's page lists them all.
Related attack patterns
- Part of
- CAPEC-113 Interface Manipulation
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