CWE-469β€”Use of Pointer Subtraction to Determine Size

PUBLISHEDweakness recordMedium
released 2006-07-19 Β· last modified 2025-12-11

Metadata

CWE ID:
CWE-469
Abstraction:
Base
Structure:
Simple
Status:
Draft
Release Date:
2006-07-19
Latest Modification Date:
2025-12-11

Weakness Name

Use of Pointer Subtraction to Determine Size

Description

The product subtracts one pointer from another in order to determine size, but this calculation can be incorrect if the pointers do not exist in the same memory chunk.

Common Consequences

Scope:
Access Control, Integrity, Confidentiality, Availability
Impact:
Modify Memory, Read Memory, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands, Gain Privileges or Assume Identity
Notes:
There is the potential for arbitrary code execution with privileges of the vulnerable program.

Related Weaknesses