CWE-463: Deletion of Data Structure Sentinel
The accidental deletion of a data-structure sentinel can cause serious programming logic problems.
How it's found
Deletion of Data Structure Sentinel 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.
Often times data-structure sentinels are used to mark structure of the data structure. A common example of this is the null character at the end of strings. Another common example is linked lists which may contain a sentinel to mark the end of the list. It is dangerous to allow this type of control data to be easily accessible. Therefore, it is important to protect from the deletion or modification outside of some wrapper interface which provides safety.
Consequences
- Other: Generally this error will cause the data structure to not work properly.
- Other: If a control character, such as NULL is removed, one may cause resource access control problems.
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Build and Compilation: Run or compile the software using features or extensions that automatically provide a protection mechanism that mitigates or eliminates buffer overflows. For example, certain compilers and extensions provide automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are built into the compiled code. Examples include the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice.
- Operation: Use OS-level preventative functionality. Not a complete solution.
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-463?
The accidental deletion of a data-structure sentinel can cause serious programming logic problems.
How do you find Deletion of Data Structure Sentinel?
Deletion of Data Structure Sentinel 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-463?
Other: Generally this error will cause the data structure to not work properly. Other: If a control character, such as NULL is removed, one may cause resource access control problems.
Does TurboPentest test for Deletion of Data Structure Sentinel?
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.
Find these issues before an attacker does
TurboPentest runs an agentic AI pentest against your target and reports findings with proof, from $99 per target.
Start a pentest