Weakness
A software or hardware condition that can contribute to exploitable behavior.
Open term page CWE Reference
CWE Dictionary
Plain-language CWE dictionary terms for weakness, category, view, abstraction, mapping notes, mitigations, and observed examples.
Release starter-2026-05dictionary
Dictionary
Common Weakness Enumeration terms
Category
A grouping construct used by CWE to organize related weaknesses.
Open term pageView
A CWE perspective such as research concepts, development concepts, or top-list views.
Open term pageAbstraction
The level of specificity of a weakness, such as class, base, or variant.
Open term pageMapping Notes
Guidance for deciding whether a vulnerability should map to a particular CWE.
Open term pageObserved Example
A real-world vulnerability or case used by CWE to illustrate the weakness.
Open term pageMitigation
A design, implementation, testing, or operational control that reduces the weakness.
Open term pageConsequence
The potential security impact when the weakness is exploited.
Open term page