CWE-117βImproper Output Neutralization for Logs
PUBLISHEDweakness recordMedium
released 2006-07-19 Β· last modified 2025-12-11
Metadata
- CWE ID:
- CWE-117
- Abstraction:
- Base
- Structure:
- Simple
- Status:
- Draft
- Release Date:
- 2006-07-19
- Latest Modification Date:
- 2025-12-11
Weakness Name
Improper Output Neutralization for Logs
Description
The product constructs a log message from external input, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements when the message is written to a log file.
Common Consequences
- Scope:
- Integrity, Confidentiality, Availability, Non-Repudiation
- Impact:
- Modify Application Data, Hide Activities, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
- Notes:
- Interpretation of the log files may be hindered or misdirected if an attacker can supply data to the application that is subsequently logged verbatim. In the most benign case, an attacker may be able to insert false entries into the log file by providing the application with input that includes appropriate characters. Forged or otherwise corrupted log files can be used to cover an attacker's tracks, possibly by skewing statistics, or even to implicate another party in the commission of a malicious act. If the log file is processed automatically, the attacker can render the file unusable by corrupting the format of the file or injecting unexpected characters. An attacker may inject code or other commands into the log file and take advantage of a vulnerability in the log processing utility.
