CWE-120βBuffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')
PUBLISHEDweakness recordHigh
released 2006-07-19 Β· last modified 2026-01-21
Metadata
- CWE ID:
- CWE-120
- Abstraction:
- Base
- Structure:
- Simple
- Status:
- Incomplete
- Release Date:
- 2006-07-19
- Latest Modification Date:
- 2026-01-21
Weakness Name
Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')
Description
The product copies an input buffer to an output buffer without verifying that the size of the input buffer is less than the size of the output buffer.
Common Consequences
- Scope:
- Integrity, Confidentiality, Availability
- Impact:
- Modify Memory, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
- Notes:
- Buffer overflows often can be used to execute arbitrary code, which is usually outside the scope of the product's implicit security policy. This can often be used to subvert any other security service.
- Scope:
- Availability
- Impact:
- Modify Memory, DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart, DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU)
- Notes:
- Buffer overflows generally lead to crashes. Other attacks leading to lack of availability are possible, including putting the product into an infinite loop.
