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CWE-1108: Excessive Reliance on Global Variables

BaseIncomplete

The code is structured in a way that relies too much on using or setting global variables throughout various points in the code, instead of preserving the associated information in a narrower, more local context.

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Extended Description

This issue makes it more difficult to maintain the product, which indirectly affects security by making it more difficult or time-consuming to find and/or fix vulnerabilities. It also might make it easier to introduce vulnerabilities.

Technical Details

Structure
Simple

Applicable To

Languages
Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-1108: Excessive Reliance on Global Variables?+

CWE-1108: Excessive Reliance on Global Variables is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The code is structured in a way that relies too much on using or setting global variables throughout various points in the code, instead of preserving the associated information in a narrower, more local context. This issue makes it more difficult to maintain the product, which indirectly affects security by making it more difficult or time-consuming to find and/or fix vulnerabilities. It also might make it easier to introduce vulnerabilities.

What are the security consequences of Excessive Reliance on Global Variables?+

If exploited, CWE-1108 (Excessive Reliance on Global Variables) it can compromise Other, leading to outcomes such as Reduce Maintainability.

What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+

A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-1108 describes a category of software weakness — the underlying flaw type. A CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifies a specific, real-world vulnerability in a particular product. In short, a CWE is the kind of mistake, and a CVE is an instance of that mistake being found in software.

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