CWE-467—Use of sizeof() on a Pointer Type

Weakness Name

Use of sizeof() on a Pointer Type

Description

The code calls sizeof() on a pointer type, which can be an incorrect calculation if the programmer intended to determine the size of the data that is being pointed to.

The use of sizeof() on a pointer can sometimes generate useful information. An obvious case is to find out the wordsize on a platform. More often than not, the appearance of sizeof(pointer) indicates a bug.

Common Consequences

Scope:

Integrity, Confidentiality

Impact:

Modify Memory, Read Memory

Notes:

This error can often cause one to allocate a buffer that is much smaller than what is needed, leading to resultant weaknesses such as buffer overflows.

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-131Incorrect Calculation of Buffer SizeHigh