CWE-706: Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference
The product uses a name or reference to access a resource, but the name/reference resolves to a resource that is outside of the intended control sphere.
How it's found
Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference 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
file_data = f.read()with open(path, 'r') as f:
print("Error - file not found")filename = sys.argv[1]path = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), filename)try:except FileNotFoundError as e:import osimport sysdef main():main()file_data = f.read()with open(path, 'r') as f:
print("Error - file not found")try:except FileNotFoundError as e:filename = sys.argv[1]path = os.path.normpath(f"{os.getcwd()}{os.sep}{filename}")if path.startswith("/home/cwe/documents/"):import osimport sysdef main():main()Consequences
- Read Application Data, Modify Application Data
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-706?
The product uses a name or reference to access a resource, but the name/reference resolves to a resource that is outside of the intended control sphere.
How do you find Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference?
Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference 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-706?
Read Application Data, Modify Application Data
Does TurboPentest test for Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference?
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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