CWE-914: Improper Control of Dynamically-Identified Variables
The product does not properly restrict reading from or writing to dynamically-identified variables.
How it's found
Improper Control of Dynamically-Identified Variables 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.
Many languages offer powerful features that allow the programmer to access arbitrary variables that are specified by an input string. While these features can offer significant flexibility and reduce development time, they can be extremely dangerous if attackers can modify unintended variables that have security implications.
Consequences
- Modify Application Data: An attacker could modify sensitive data or program variables.
- Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
- Varies by Context, Alter Execution Logic
Mitigations
- Implementation: For any externally-influenced input, check the input against an allowlist of internal program variables that are allowed to be modified.
- Implementation/Architecture and Design: Refactor the code so that internal program variables do not need to be dynamically identified.
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-914?
The product does not properly restrict reading from or writing to dynamically-identified variables.
How do you find Improper Control of Dynamically-Identified Variables?
Improper Control of Dynamically-Identified Variables 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-914?
Modify Application Data: An attacker could modify sensitive data or program variables. Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands Varies by Context, Alter Execution Logic
Does TurboPentest test for Improper Control of Dynamically-Identified Variables?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
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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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