CWE-407: Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity
An algorithm in a product has an inefficient worst-case computational complexity that may be detrimental to system performance and can be triggered by an attacker, typically using crafted manipulations that ensure that the worst case is being reached.
How it's found
Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity 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
var test_string = "Bad characters: $@#";var bad_pattern = /^(\w+\s?)*$/i;var result = test_string.search(bad_pattern);var test_string = "Bad characters: $@#";var good_pattern = /^((?=(\w+))\2\s?)*$/i;var result = test_string.search(good_pattern);Consequences
- DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU), DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory), DoS: Resource Consumption (Other): The typical consequence is CPU consumption, but memory consumption and consumption of other resources can also occur.
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-407?
An algorithm in a product has an inefficient worst-case computational complexity that may be detrimental to system performance and can be triggered by an attacker, typically using crafted manipulations that ensure that the worst case is being reached.
How do you find Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity?
Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity 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-407?
DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU), DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory), DoS: Resource Consumption (Other): The typical consequence is CPU consumption, but memory consumption and consumption of other resources can also occur.
Does TurboPentest test for Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity?
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
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