CWE-627: Dynamic Variable Evaluation
In a language where the user can influence the name of a variable at runtime, if the variable names are not controlled, an attacker can read or write to arbitrary variables, or access arbitrary functions.
How it's found
Dynamic Variable Evaluation is a specific, narrowly defined instance of a broader pattern. Testers confirm it with targeted code review and a proof-of-concept input that exercises the exact code path this weakness describes.
The resultant vulnerabilities depend on the behavior of the application, both at the crossover point and in any control/data flow that is reachable by the related variables or functions.
Consequences
- Modify Application Data, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands: An attacker could gain unauthorized access to internal program variables and execute arbitrary code.
Mitigations
- Implementation: Refactor the code to avoid dynamic variable evaluation whenever possible.
- Implementation: Use only allowlists of acceptable variable or function names.
- Implementation: For function names, ensure that you are only calling functions that accept the proper number of arguments, to avoid unexpected null arguments.
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-627?
In a language where the user can influence the name of a variable at runtime, if the variable names are not controlled, an attacker can read or write to arbitrary variables, or access arbitrary functions.
How do you find Dynamic Variable Evaluation?
Dynamic Variable Evaluation is a specific, narrowly defined instance of a broader pattern. Testers confirm it with targeted code review and a proof-of-concept input that exercises the exact code path this weakness describes.
What is the impact of CWE-627?
Modify Application Data, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands: An attacker could gain unauthorized access to internal program variables and execute arbitrary code.
Does TurboPentest test for Dynamic Variable Evaluation?
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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