Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-787

Weakness Allowed-with-Review

Out-of-bounds Write

Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft

The product writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

Dimensions

  • Behavior-Type: Write
  • Resource-Type: Memory Buffer
  • Resource-Property: Out-of-bounds
Mapping guidance

This CWE entry is at the Base level of abstraction, which is a preferred level of abstraction for mapping to the root causes of vulnerabilities. However, closer examination is required.

While this CWE is allowed for mapping, it has more specific children that might be a better fit. Carefully read both the name and description to ensure that this mapping is appropriate. Consider the root cause errors that have led to the out-of-bounds write by examining "CanFollow" relationships for this entry.

Relationships and members
ChildOf: CWE-119 · View CWE-1000
ChildOf: CWE-119 · View CWE-1003
ChildOf: CWE-119 · View CWE-1305
ChildOf: CWE-119 · View CWE-1340
Modes of introduction
Implementation
Detection methods

Automated Static Analysis

This weakness can often be detected using automated static analysis tools. Many modern tools use data flow analysis or constraint-based techniques to minimize the number of false positives.

Automated static analysis generally does not account for environmental considerations when reporting out-of-bounds memory operations. This can make it difficult for users to determine which warnings should be investigated first. For example, an analysis tool might report buffer overflows that originate from command line arguments in a program that is not expected to run with setuid or other special privileges.

Effectiveness: High

Detection techniques for buffer-related errors are more mature than for most other weakness types.

Automated Dynamic Analysis

This weakness can be detected using dynamic tools and techniques that interact with the software using large test suites with many diverse inputs, such as fuzz testing (fuzzing), robustness testing, and fault injection. The software's operation may slow down, but it should not become unstable, crash, or generate incorrect results.

Automated Dynamic Analysis

Use tools that are integrated during compilation to insert runtime error-checking mechanisms related to memory safety errors, such as AddressSanitizer (ASan) for C/C++ [REF-1518].

Effectiveness: Moderate

Crafted inputs are necessary to reach the code containing the error, such as generated by fuzzers. Also, these tools may reduce performance, and they only report the error condition - not the original mistake that led to the error.

Content history
Submission: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2009-10-21 · CWE 1.6
Contribution: "Mapping CWE to 62443" Sub-Working Group · CWE-CAPEC ICS/OT SIG · 2023-04-25 · CWE 4.11

Suggested mappings to ISA/IEC 62443.

Contribution: Abhi Balakrishnan · 2024-02-29 · CWE 4.15

Provided diagram to improve CWE usability

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2010-02-16 · CWE 1.8

updated Demonstrative_Examples

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2010-09-27 · CWE 1.10

updated Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2011-06-01 · CWE 1.13

updated Common_Consequences

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2014-06-23 · CWE 2.7

updated Demonstrative_Examples

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2015-12-07 · CWE 2.9

updated Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2018-03-27 · CWE 3.1

updated Description

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2019-09-19 · CWE 3.4

updated Applicable_Platforms, Demonstrative_Examples, Detection_Factors, Likelihood_of_Exploit, Observed_Examples, Potential_Mitigations, References, Relationships, Time_of_Introduction

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2020-02-24 · CWE 4.0

updated Observed_Examples, Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2020-06-25 · CWE 4.1

updated Observed_Examples

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2020-08-20 · CWE 4.2

updated Alternate_Terms, Demonstrative_Examples, Observed_Examples, Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2020-12-10 · CWE 4.3

updated Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2021-03-15 · CWE 4.4

updated Demonstrative_Examples

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2021-07-20 · CWE 4.5

updated Demonstrative_Examples, Potential_Mitigations, Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2022-06-28 · CWE 4.8

updated Observed_Examples, Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2022-10-13 · CWE 4.9

updated Applicable_Platforms

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2023-01-31 · CWE 4.10

updated Alternate_Terms, Demonstrative_Examples, Description

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2023-04-27 · CWE 4.11

updated Potential_Mitigations, References, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2023-06-29 · CWE 4.12

updated Mapping_Notes, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2024-02-29 · CWE 4.14

updated Demonstrative_Examples

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2024-07-16 · CWE 4.15

updated Alternate_Terms, Common_Consequences, Description, Diagram, Weakness_Ordinalities

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2024-11-19 · CWE 4.16

updated Observed_Examples, Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2025-04-03 · CWE 4.17

updated Observed_Examples, Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2025-09-09 · CWE 4.18

updated Affected_Resources, Functional_Areas, References

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2025-12-11 · CWE 4.19

updated Applicable_Platforms, Detection_Factors, References, Relationships

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2026-04-30 · CWE 4.20

updated Mapping_Notes

Modification: CWE Content Team · MITRE · 2026-10-28 · CWE 5.0

updated Dimensions, Observed_Examples, References, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings

16870 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-HQJW-5F56-JVQQ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-26 21:36 – Updated: 2026-11-02 18:32
VLAI
Details

An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, visionOS 27. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-84595"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-10-26T21:20:14Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "An out-of-bounds write issue was addressed with improved bounds checking. This issue is fixed in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, macOS Sequoia 15.8.2, macOS Tahoe 26.7.2, visionOS 27. An app may be able to cause unexpected system termination.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqjw-5f56-jvqq",
  "modified": "2026-11-02T18:32:07Z",
  "published": "2026-10-26T21:36:27Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-84595"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/149034"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/149035"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/149038"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/149522"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/149523"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQJW-C32V-FRHH

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:01 – Updated: 2022-05-13 01:01
VLAI
Details

An exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the XCF property handling functionality of SDL_image 2.0.1. A specially crafted xcf file can cause a stack-based buffer overflow resulting in potential code execution. An attacker can provide a specially crafted XCF file to trigger this vulnerability.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2017-2887"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2017-10-11T18:29:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "An exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the XCF property handling functionality of SDL_image 2.0.1. A specially crafted xcf file can cause a stack-based buffer overflow resulting in potential code execution. An attacker can provide a specially crafted XCF file to trigger this vulnerability.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqjw-c32v-frhh",
  "modified": "2022-05-13T01:01:16Z",
  "published": "2022-05-13T01:01:16Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-2887"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4177"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.debian.org/security/2018/dsa-4184"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2017-0394"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101215"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQPW-F5HX-R963

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-07-09 18:30 – Updated: 2024-07-09 18:30
VLAI
Details

Kernel Streaming WOW Thunk Service Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-38054"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-122",
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-07-09T17:15:35Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Kernel Streaming WOW Thunk Service Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability",
  "id": "GHSA-hqpw-f5hx-r963",
  "modified": "2024-07-09T18:30:51Z",
  "published": "2024-07-09T18:30:51Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-38054"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-38054"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQQ5-X2F6-HPMV

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:07 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:07
VLAI
Details

A maliciously crafted TIFF file in Autodesk 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, 2011 can be forced to read and write beyond allocated boundaries when parsing the TIFF file. This vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-27039"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-07-09T15:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "A maliciously crafted TIFF file in Autodesk 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, 2011 can be forced to read and write beyond allocated boundaries when parsing the TIFF file. This vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqq5-x2f6-hpmv",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T19:07:21Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T19:07:21Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-27039"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2021-0003"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.autodesk.com/trust/security-advisories/adsk-sa-2022-0004"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-505"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQQH-JQ4C-G3W3

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:02 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:02
VLAI
Details

Telegram Android <7.1.0 (2090), Telegram iOS <7.1, and Telegram macOS <7.1 are affected by a Stack Based Overflow in the gray_split_cubic function of their custom fork of the rlottie library. A remote attacker might be able to overwrite Telegram's stack memory out-of-bounds on a victim device via a malicious animated sticker.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-31321"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-05-18T20:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Telegram Android \u003c7.1.0 (2090), Telegram iOS \u003c7.1, and Telegram macOS \u003c7.1 are affected by a Stack Based Overflow in the gray_split_cubic function of their custom fork of the rlottie library. A remote attacker might be able to overwrite Telegram\u0027s stack memory out-of-bounds on a victim device via a malicious animated sticker.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqqh-jq4c-g3w3",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T19:02:40Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T19:02:40Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-31321"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.shielder.it/advisories/telegram-rlottie-gray_split_cubic-stack-buffer-overflow"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.shielder.it/blog/2021/02/hunting-for-bugs-in-telegrams-animated-stickers-remote-attack-surface"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-HQRH-5G3X-GFCM

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-12 18:32 – Updated: 2026-06-12 18:32
VLAI
Details

Acrobat Reader versions 24.001.30365, 26.001.21651 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-47965"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-06-12T18:16:34Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Acrobat Reader versions 24.001.30365, 26.001.21651 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqrh-5g3x-gfcm",
  "modified": "2026-06-12T18:32:00Z",
  "published": "2026-06-12T18:32:00Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-47965"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb26-63.html"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQVR-H7VG-6665

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-06-03 03:31 – Updated: 2025-04-25 21:31
VLAI
Details

In modem, there is a possible system crash due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is no needed for exploitation. Patch ID: MOLY01270721; Issue ID: MSV-1479.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-20068"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-06-03T02:15:08Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "In modem, there is a possible system crash due to improper input validation. This could lead to remote denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is no needed for exploitation. Patch ID: MOLY01270721; Issue ID: MSV-1479.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqvr-h7vg-6665",
  "modified": "2025-04-25T21:31:28Z",
  "published": "2024-06-03T03:31:04Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-20068"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/June-2024"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQW2-F49W-7W56

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-09-23 18:31 – Updated: 2026-09-26 00:32
VLAI
Details

BusyBox romfs volume ID parsing uses unbounded strlen on attacker-controlled metadata, causing a heap buffer overflow when processing crafted filesystem images.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-88832"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-09-23T17:17:18Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "BusyBox romfs volume ID parsing uses unbounded strlen on attacker-controlled metadata, causing a heap buffer overflow when processing crafted filesystem images.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqw2-f49w-7w56",
  "modified": "2026-09-26T00:32:18Z",
  "published": "2026-09-23T18:31:56Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-88832"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:72111"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-88832"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2531345"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQX2-WC2C-3843

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-12-19 18:30 – Updated: 2023-12-19 18:30
VLAI
Details

An attacker sending specially crafted data packets to the Mobile Device Server can cause memory corruption which could result to a Denial of Service (DoS) or code execution.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-46217"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-12-19T16:15:09Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "An attacker sending specially crafted data packets to the Mobile Device Server can cause memory corruption which could result to a Denial of Service (DoS) or code execution.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqx2-wc2c-3843",
  "modified": "2023-12-19T18:30:30Z",
  "published": "2023-12-19T18:30:30Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-46217"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://download.wavelink.com/Files/avalanche_v6.4.2_release_notes.txt"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-HQX7-V8P3-6VGV

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-02-16 00:01 – Updated: 2022-02-24 00:01
VLAI
Details

Tenda AC Series Router AC11_V02.03.01.104_CN was discovered to contain a stack buffer overflow in the wanBasicCfg module. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via crafted overflow data.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-46265"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-02-15T20:15:00Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "Tenda AC Series Router AC11_V02.03.01.104_CN was discovered to contain a stack buffer overflow in the wanBasicCfg module. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via crafted overflow data.",
  "id": "GHSA-hqx7-v8p3-6vgv",
  "modified": "2022-02-24T00:01:01Z",
  "published": "2022-02-16T00:01:04Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-46265"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/Ainevsia/CVE-Request/tree/main/Tenda/13"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

Mitigation MIT-3
Requirements

Strategy: Language Selection

  • Use a language that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
  • For example, many languages that perform their own memory management, such as Java and Perl, are not subject to buffer overflows. Other languages, such as Ada and C#, typically provide overflow protection, but the protection can be disabled by the programmer.
  • Be wary that a language's interface to native code may still be subject to overflows, even if the language itself is theoretically safe.
Mitigation MIT-4.1
Architecture and Design

Strategy: Libraries or Frameworks

  • Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
  • Examples include the Safe C String Library (SafeStr) by Messier and Viega [REF-57], and the Strsafe.h library from Microsoft [REF-56]. These libraries provide safer versions of overflow-prone string-handling functions.
Mitigation MIT-10
Operation Build and Compilation

Strategy: Environment Hardening

  • Use automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are offered by certain compilers or compiler extensions. Examples include: the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice, which provide various mechanisms including canary-based detection and range/index checking.
  • D3-SFCV (Stack Frame Canary Validation) from D3FEND [REF-1334] discusses canary-based detection in detail.
Mitigation MIT-9
Implementation
  • Consider adhering to the following rules when allocating and managing an application's memory:
  • Double check that the buffer is as large as specified.
  • When using functions that accept a number of bytes to copy, such as strncpy(), be aware that if the destination buffer size is equal to the source buffer size, it may not NULL-terminate the string.
  • Check buffer boundaries if accessing the buffer in a loop and make sure there is no danger of writing past the allocated space.
  • If necessary, truncate all input strings to a reasonable length before passing them to the copy and concatenation functions.
Mitigation MIT-11
Operation Build and Compilation

Strategy: Environment Hardening

  • Run or compile the software using features or extensions that randomly arrange the positions of a program's executable and libraries in memory. Because this makes the addresses unpredictable, it can prevent an attacker from reliably jumping to exploitable code.
  • Examples include Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) [REF-58] [REF-60] and Position-Independent Executables (PIE) [REF-64]. Imported modules may be similarly realigned if their default memory addresses conflict with other modules, in a process known as "rebasing" (for Windows) and "prelinking" (for Linux) [REF-1332] using randomly generated addresses. ASLR for libraries cannot be used in conjunction with prelink since it would require relocating the libraries at run-time, defeating the whole purpose of prelinking.
  • For more information on these techniques see D3-SAOR (Segment Address Offset Randomization) from D3FEND [REF-1335].
Mitigation MIT-12
Operation

Strategy: Environment Hardening

  • Use a CPU and operating system that offers Data Execution Protection (using hardware NX or XD bits) or the equivalent techniques that simulate this feature in software, such as PaX [REF-60] [REF-61]. These techniques ensure that any instruction executed is exclusively at a memory address that is part of the code segment.
  • For more information on these techniques see D3-PSEP (Process Segment Execution Prevention) from D3FEND [REF-1336].
Mitigation MIT-13
Implementation

Replace unbounded copy functions with analogous functions that support length arguments, such as strcpy with strncpy. Create these if they are not available.

No CAPEC attack patterns related to this CWE.