CWE-805—Buffer Access with Incorrect Length Value

Weakness Name

Buffer Access with Incorrect Length Value

Description

The product uses a sequential operation to read or write a buffer, but it uses an incorrect length value that causes it to access memory that is outside of the bounds of the buffer.

When the length value exceeds the size of the destination, a buffer overflow could occur.

Common Consequences

Scope:

Integrity, Confidentiality, Availability

Impact:

Read Memory, 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 a program'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 program into an infinite loop.

Related Weaknesses

• CWE-119Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory BufferHigh