CWE-409: Improper Handling of Highly Compressed Data (Data Amplification)
The product does not handle or incorrectly handles a compressed input with a very high compression ratio that produces a large output.
How it's found
Improper Handling of Highly Compressed Data (Data Amplification) 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.
An example of data amplification is a "decompression bomb," a small ZIP file that can produce a large amount of data when it is decompressed.
Consequences
- DoS: Amplification, DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart, DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU), DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory): System resources, CPU and memory, can be quickly consumed. This can lead to poor system performance or system crash.
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-409?
The product does not handle or incorrectly handles a compressed input with a very high compression ratio that produces a large output.
How do you find Improper Handling of Highly Compressed Data (Data Amplification)?
Improper Handling of Highly Compressed Data (Data Amplification) 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-409?
DoS: Amplification, DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart, DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU), DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory): System resources, CPU and memory, can be quickly consumed. This can lead to poor system performance or system crash.
Does TurboPentest test for Improper Handling of Highly Compressed Data (Data Amplification)?
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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