CWE-395: Use of NullPointerException Catch to Detect NULL Pointer Dereference
Catching NullPointerException should not be used as an alternative to programmatic checks to prevent dereferencing a null pointer.
How it's found
Use of NullPointerException Catch to Detect NULL Pointer Dereference 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.
Programmers typically catch NullPointerException under three circumstances: Of these three circumstances, only the last is acceptable.The program contains a null pointer dereference. Catching the resulting exception was easier than fixing the underlying problem. The program explicitly throws a NullPointerException to signal an error condition. The code is part of a test harness that supplies unexpected input to the classes under test.
Consequences
- DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU)
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design/Implementation: Do not extensively rely on catching exceptions (especially for validating user input) to handle errors. Handling exceptions can decrease the performance of an application.
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-395?
Catching NullPointerException should not be used as an alternative to programmatic checks to prevent dereferencing a null pointer.
How do you find Use of NullPointerException Catch to Detect NULL Pointer Dereference?
Use of NullPointerException Catch to Detect NULL Pointer Dereference 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-395?
DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU)
Does TurboPentest test for Use of NullPointerException Catch to Detect NULL Pointer Dereference?
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.
Related CWEs
About this reference
These security references are maintained by IntegSec, an offensive-security firm whose team holds CISSP, OSCP, and OSCE certifications and has run thousands of penetration tests. Content is kept current as tools, standards, and attack techniques evolve.
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