# Web cache deception

A path/cache-policy discrepancy stores a private response for retrieval by another client.

**Candidate CWE:** [CWE-524](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/524.html)

## Test hypothesis

In an isolated local cache, place A’s private marker on a page. Compare its canonical route with one variant treated as static; request the variant as A and then anonymous B.

## Evidence required

B receives A’s marker because of cache behavior, while direct/fresh-key controls deny it. Save normalized routes, cache policy, and both client requests.

## Rule out false positives

A public share URL, application-level BOLA without caching, or the tester’s authenticated browser cache is not cache deception.

## Playbook and command references

- [Proxy normalization, cache isolation, and request boundaries](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/modules/proxy-cache.html) — Investigate layered HTTP behavior with isolated cache keys and controlled front-end/back-end traffic.

[Find the associated command snippets](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/commands.html?q=Proxy%20normalization%2C%20cache%20isolation%2C%20and%20request%20boundaries)

## Referenced by these target playbooks

[Web & API](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/web-api.html) · [OSS & self-hosted](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/oss.html) · [Cloud & containers](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/cloud.html) · [Network services](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/network.html)

## Report checklist

- [ ] Capture the affected version, configuration, identities, and object ownership.
- [ ] Preserve a valid baseline and a negative control.
- [ ] Reproduce the forbidden data access, action, or state change on controlled fixtures.
- [ ] Explain the intended security rule and why the observed behavior violates it.
- [ ] State prerequisites, uncertainty, cleanup, and the smallest demonstrated impact.

## Conditional ATT&CK mapping

No direct ATT&CK mapping selected. Record the weakness and demonstrated impact without forcing an adversary-behavior classification. See the [mapping guide](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/attack.html).

## Primary references

- [PortSwigger cache deception](https://portswigger.net/web-security/web-cache-deception)

[Back to the complete vulnerability catalog](https://bug-bounty-field-manual.kmahshooq.chatgpt.site/vulnerabilities.html)