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

17075 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-W7Q3-C7Q5-XFGF

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 02:36 – Updated: 2022-05-17 02:36
VLAI
Details

Heap-based Buffer Overflow in the de_dotdot function in libhttpd.c in sthttpd before 2.27.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted filename.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2017-10671"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-119",
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2017-06-29T08:29:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Heap-based Buffer Overflow in the de_dotdot function in libhttpd.c in sthttpd before 2.27.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted filename.",
  "id": "GHSA-w7q3-c7q5-xfgf",
  "modified": "2022-05-17T02:36:23Z",
  "published": "2022-05-17T02:36:23Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-10671"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/blueness/sthttpd/commit/c0dc63a49d8605649f1d8e4a96c9b468b0bff660"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/blueness/sthttpd/releases/tag/v2.27.1"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/06/15/9"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-W7QH-3H3Q-2X38

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-05-11 15:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 04:02
VLAI
Details

Buffer overflow in IPP number-up attribute process of Office / Small Office Multifunction Printers and Laser Printers(*) which may allow an attacker on the network segment to trigger the affected product being unresponsive or to execute arbitrary code. *:Satera LBP660C Series/LBP620C Series/MF740C Series/MF640C Series firmware Ver.11.04 and earlier sold in Japan. Color imageCLASS LBP660C Series/LBP 620C Series/X LBP1127C/MF740C Series/MF640C Series/X MF1127C firmware Ver.11.04 and earlier sold in US. i-SENSYS LBP660C Series/LBP620C Series/MF740C Series/MF640C Series, C1127P, C1127iF, C1127i firmware Ver.11.04 and earlier sold in Europe.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-0855"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-121",
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-05-11T13:15:12Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "Buffer overflow in IPP number-up attribute process of Office / Small Office Multifunction Printers and Laser Printers(*) which may allow an attacker on the network segment to trigger the affected product being unresponsive or to execute arbitrary code. *:Satera LBP660C Series/LBP620C Series/MF740C Series/MF640C Series firmware Ver.11.04 and earlier sold in Japan. Color imageCLASS LBP660C Series/LBP 620C Series/X LBP1127C/MF740C Series/MF640C Series/X MF1127C firmware Ver.11.04 and earlier sold in US. i-SENSYS LBP660C Series/LBP620C Series/MF740C Series/MF640C Series, C1127P, C1127iF, C1127i firmware Ver.11.04 and earlier sold in Europe.",
  "id": "GHSA-w7qh-3h3q-2x38",
  "modified": "2024-04-04T04:02:24Z",
  "published": "2023-05-11T15:30:24Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-0855"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://canon.jp/support/support-info/230414vulnerability-response"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://psirt.canon/advisory-information/cp2023-001"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.canon-europe.com/support/product-security-latest-news"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.usa.canon.com/support/canon-product-advisories/Service-Notice-Vulnerabilities-Remediation-Against-Buffer-Overflow"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-W7R5-4C54-WGJ2

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-08-17 00:00 – Updated: 2022-08-18 00:00
VLAI
Details

OTFCC v0.10.4 was discovered to contain a heap-buffer overflow via /release-x64/otfccdump+0x6b03b5.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-35451"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-08-16T21:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "OTFCC v0.10.4 was discovered to contain a heap-buffer overflow via /release-x64/otfccdump+0x6b03b5.",
  "id": "GHSA-w7r5-4c54-wgj2",
  "modified": "2022-08-18T00:00:21Z",
  "published": "2022-08-17T00:00:20Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-35451"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://cvjark.github.io/2022/07/06/CVE-2022-33047"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-W7RC-W5HG-2VGH

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

An improper input validation vulnerability in NPU firmware prior to SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 allows arbitrary memory write and code execution.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-25396"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-06-11T15:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "An improper input validation vulnerability in NPU firmware prior to SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 allows arbitrary memory write and code execution.",
  "id": "GHSA-w7rc-w5hg-2vgh",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T19:05:09Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T19:05:09Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-25396"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb?year=2021\u0026month=5"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-W7V2-R8F5-7H23

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-05-08 18:30 – Updated: 2025-05-13 15:32
VLAI
Details

TOTOLINK NR1800X V9.1.0u.6681_B20230703 was discovered to contain an authenticated stack overflow via the ssid5g parameter in the setWiFiEasyGuestCfg function.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2025-45845"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-121",
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-05-08T16:15:26Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "TOTOLINK NR1800X V9.1.0u.6681_B20230703 was discovered to contain an authenticated stack overflow via the ssid5g parameter in the setWiFiEasyGuestCfg function.",
  "id": "GHSA-w7v2-r8f5-7h23",
  "modified": "2025-05-13T15:32:15Z",
  "published": "2025-05-08T18:30:42Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-45845"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/regainer27/CVE-key/tree/main/bo5"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.totolink.net"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.totolink.net/home/menu/detail/menu_listtpl/download/id/225/ids/36.html"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-W7VP-FX35-P349

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:43 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:43
VLAI
Details

Adobe Bridge version 11.0 (and earlier) is affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability when parsing TTF files 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-2021-21066"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-02-25T14:15:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Adobe Bridge version 11.0 (and earlier) is affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability when parsing TTF files 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-w7vp-fx35-p349",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T17:43:03Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T17:43:03Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-21066"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/bridge/apsb21-07.html"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-W7WM-WCHQ-GC2X

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-05 09:30 – Updated: 2024-04-04 07:27
VLAI
Details

Memory corruption in WIN Product while invoking WinAcpi update driver in the UEFI region.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-28538"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-119",
      "CWE-121",
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-09-05T07:15:13Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Memory corruption in WIN Product while invoking WinAcpi update driver in the UEFI region.",
  "id": "GHSA-w7wm-wchq-gc2x",
  "modified": "2024-04-04T07:27:15Z",
  "published": "2023-09-05T09:30:19Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-28538"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins/september-2023-bulletin"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-W82F-48JF-C4V4

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:39 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:39
VLAI
Details

There is a heap base buffer overflow vulnerability in some Huawei smartphone.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can cause heap overflow and memory overwriting when the system incorrectly processes the update file.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2020-9142"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2021-01-13T22:15:00Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "There is a heap base buffer overflow vulnerability in some Huawei smartphone.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can cause heap overflow and memory overwriting when the system incorrectly processes the update file.",
  "id": "GHSA-w82f-48jf-c4v4",
  "modified": "2022-05-24T17:39:00Z",
  "published": "2022-05-24T17:39:00Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-9142"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2020/12"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-W82H-8C9G-F268

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-01-06 06:30 – Updated: 2025-01-06 15:30
VLAI
Details

In V6 DA, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege, if an attacker has physical access to the device, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09167056; Issue ID: MSV-2041.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-20144"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2025-01-06T04:15:06Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "In V6 DA, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege, if an attacker has physical access to the device, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS09167056; Issue ID: MSV-2041.",
  "id": "GHSA-w82h-8c9g-f268",
  "modified": "2025-01-06T15:30:59Z",
  "published": "2025-01-06T06:30:45Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-20144"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/January-2025"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-W82Q-X75M-XP3P

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-08-19 21:30 – Updated: 2026-08-19 21:30
VLAI
Details

Power Systems Firmware FW1120.00, FW1110.00 through FW1110.30, FW1060.00 through FW1060.80, FW950.00 through FW950.H2, OP940.00 through OP940.a1, and OP940.00 - OP940.81 is affected by a vulnerability in the service processor mailbox interface. An attacker with authenticated service-level access to the BMC/FSP can exploit this vulnerability, allowing arbitrary code to be executed in the host firmware runtime, giving full control over the managed system, resulting in a confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact to the managed system.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-17100"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-787"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-08-19T19:17:11Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Power Systems Firmware\u00a0FW1120.00, FW1110.00 through FW1110.30, FW1060.00 through FW1060.80, FW950.00 through FW950.H2, OP940.00 through OP940.a1, and OP940.00 - OP940.81 is affected by a vulnerability in the service processor mailbox interface. An attacker with authenticated service-level access to the BMC/FSP can exploit this vulnerability, allowing arbitrary code to be executed in the host firmware runtime, giving full control over the managed system, resulting in a confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact to the managed system.",
  "id": "GHSA-w82q-x75m-xp3p",
  "modified": "2026-08-19T21:30:31Z",
  "published": "2026-08-19T21:30:31Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-17100"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283236"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

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.