CWE-1078: Inappropriate Source Code Style or Formatting
The source code does not follow desired style or formatting for indentation, white space, comments, etc.
How it's found
Inappropriate Source Code Style or Formatting describes a general pattern rather than a single fixed bug. Testers use a mix of static analysis and manual code review to find where a target's code matches this pattern, then confirm exploitability by hand.
Vulnerable vs. safe
char buffer[1024];...fgets(buffer, 1024, stdin);enum { MAX_BUFFER_SIZE = 1024 };...char buffer[MAX_BUFFER_SIZE];...fgets(buffer, MAX_BUFFER_SIZE, stdin);Consequences
- Increase Analytical Complexity: Variations in indentation and other white space, comments, etc. can make it more difficult for human analysts to understand the actual behavior that is being implemented.
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-1078?
The source code does not follow desired style or formatting for indentation, white space, comments, etc.
How do you find Inappropriate Source Code Style or Formatting?
Inappropriate Source Code Style or Formatting describes a general pattern rather than a single fixed bug. Testers use a mix of static analysis and manual code review to find where a target's code matches this pattern, then confirm exploitability by hand.
What is the impact of CWE-1078?
Increase Analytical Complexity: Variations in indentation and other white space, comments, etc. can make it more difficult for human analysts to understand the actual behavior that is being implemented.
Does TurboPentest test for Inappropriate Source Code Style or Formatting?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Related CWEs
Written and reviewed by
Michel Chamberland - Founder & CEO, IntegSec
CISSP, OSCP, OSCE, CEH, GIAC, CCSK · 20+ years in offensive security
Michel has spent 20+ years on offensive security teams including IBM X-Force Red and Trustwave SpiderLabs, leading penetration tests, red team engagements, and breach response for Fortune 500 customers. He is the founder of IntegSec and the architect of TurboPentest.
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