CWE-75: Failure to Sanitize Special Elements into a Different Plane (Special Element Injection)
The product does not adequately filter user-controlled input for special elements with control implications.
How it's found
Failure to Sanitize Special Elements into a Different Plane (Special Element Injection) 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.
Consequences
- Modify Application Data, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Mitigations
- Requirements: Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Implementation: Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter special element syntax from all input.
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-75?
The product does not adequately filter user-controlled input for special elements with control implications.
How do you find Failure to Sanitize Special Elements into a Different Plane (Special Element Injection)?
Failure to Sanitize Special Elements into a Different Plane (Special Element Injection) 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-75?
Modify Application Data, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Does TurboPentest test for Failure to Sanitize Special Elements into a Different Plane (Special Element Injection)?
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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