CWE-282: Improper Ownership Management
The product assigns the wrong ownership, or does not properly verify the ownership, of an object or resource.
How it's found
Improper Ownership Management 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
os.kill(processID, signal.SIGKILL)def killProcess(processID):#Check process owner against requesting user
os.kill(processID, signal.SIGKILL)return
print("You cannot kill a process you don't own")returnuser = getCurrentUser()if getProcessOwner(processID) == user:else:def killProcess(processID):Consequences
- Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design/Operation: Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
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-282?
The product assigns the wrong ownership, or does not properly verify the ownership, of an object or resource.
How do you find Improper Ownership Management?
Improper Ownership Management 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-282?
Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
Does TurboPentest test for Improper Ownership Management?
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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