CWE-464: Addition of Data Structure Sentinel
The accidental addition of a data-structure sentinel can cause serious programming logic problems.
How it's found
Addition 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.
Data-structure sentinels are often used to mark the structure of data. A common example of this is the null character at the end of strings or a special sentinel to mark the end of a linked list. It is dangerous to allow this type of control data to be easily accessible. Therefore, it is important to protect from the addition or modification of sentinels.
Consequences
- Modify Application Data: Generally this error will cause the data structure to not work properly by truncating the data.
Mitigations
- Implementation/Architecture and Design: Encapsulate the user from interacting with data sentinels. Validate user input to verify that sentinels are not present.
- Implementation: Proper error checking can reduce the risk of inadvertently introducing sentinel values into data. For example, if a parsing function fails or encounters an error, it might return a value that is the same as the sentinel.
- Architecture and Design: Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. This is not a complete solution.
- Operation: Use OS-level preventative functionality. This is not a complete solution.
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-464?
The accidental addition of a data-structure sentinel can cause serious programming logic problems.
How do you find Addition of Data Structure Sentinel?
Addition 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-464?
Modify Application Data: Generally this error will cause the data structure to not work properly by truncating the data.
Does TurboPentest test for Addition of Data Structure Sentinel?
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.
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