Potential format string vulnerability

Description

Format string vulnerabilities allow an attacker to read or in some cases, potentially write data to and from locations in the processes' memory. To prevent against format string attacks, do not allow users or un-validated input to provide the format specification. Consider using a constant for the format specification, or only allow specific characters to be provided to the format argument for the `printf` family of functions.

Examples

Insecure Code

printf(user_input);

Secure Code

printf("Hello, %s!", user_input);

Remediation

Use a constant format string or validate user input to prevent format string attacks.

Rule Details

Field	Value
ID	CODE-0590
Category	Injection
Severity	HIGH
CWE	CWE-134
Confidence	HIGH
Impact	HIGH
Likelihood	MEDIUM
Exploitability	EASY
Tags	format string vulnerability, injection
OWASP	A1:2017-Injection, A03:2021-Injection

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