CWE-253: Incorrect Check of Function Return Value
The product incorrectly checks a return value from a function, which prevents it from detecting errors or exceptional conditions.
How it's found
Incorrect Check of Function Return Value is typically found by tracing untrusted input from where it enters the system to the point where it is used without the check or neutralization this weakness describes, combining manual code review with dynamic testing.
Important and common functions will return some value about the success of its actions. This will alert the program whether or not to handle any errors caused by that function.
Consequences
- Unexpected State, DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart: An unexpected return value could place the system in a state that could lead to a crash or other unintended behaviors.
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Use a language or compiler that uses exceptions and requires the catching of those exceptions.
- Implementation: Properly check all functions which return a value.
- Implementation: When designing any function make sure you return a value or throw an exception in case of an error.
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
TurboPentest's agentic pentest is powerful and covers a broad range of issues automatically. This particular class is best confirmed in a manual IntegSec engagement, where human pentesters apply deeper methodology and a larger context window than any automated pass.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-253?
The product incorrectly checks a return value from a function, which prevents it from detecting errors or exceptional conditions.
How do you find Incorrect Check of Function Return Value?
Incorrect Check of Function Return Value is typically found by tracing untrusted input from where it enters the system to the point where it is used without the check or neutralization this weakness describes, combining manual code review with dynamic testing.
What is the impact of CWE-253?
Unexpected State, DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart: An unexpected return value could place the system in a state that could lead to a crash or other unintended behaviors.
Does TurboPentest test for Incorrect Check of Function Return Value?
TurboPentest's agentic pentest is powerful and covers a broad range of issues automatically. This particular class is best confirmed in a manual IntegSec engagement, where human pentesters apply deeper methodology and a larger context window than any automated pass.
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