CWE-464—Addition of Data Structure Sentinel

Weakness Name

Addition of Data Structure Sentinel

Description

The accidental addition of a data-structure sentinel can cause serious programming logic problems.

Data-structure sentinels are often used to mark the structure of data. A common example of this is the null character at the end of strings or a special sentinel to mark the end of a linked list. It is dangerous to allow this type of control data to be easily accessible. Therefore, it is important to protect from the addition or modification of sentinels.

Common Consequences

Scope:

Integrity

Impact:

Modify Application Data

Notes:

Generally this error will cause the data structure to not work properly by truncating the data.

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-138Improper Neutralization of Special Elements