CWE-1173: Improper Use of Validation Framework

BaseDraft

The product does not use, or incorrectly uses, an input validation framework that is provided by the source language or an independent library.

View on MITRE
Back to CWE Lookup

Extended Description

Many modern coding languages provide developers with input validation frameworks to make the task of input validation easier and less error-prone. These frameworks will automatically check all input against specified criteria and direct execution to error handlers when invalid input is received. The improper use (i.e., an incorrect implementation or missing altogether) of these frameworks is not directly exploitable, but can lead to an exploitable condition if proper input validation is not performed later in the product. Not using provided input validation frameworks can also hurt the maintainability of code as future developers may not recognize the downstream input validation being used in the place of the validation framework.

Technical Details

Structure
Simple

Applicable To

Languages
Not Language-Specific
Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-1173: Improper Use of Validation Framework?+

CWE-1173: Improper Use of Validation Framework is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product does not use, or incorrectly uses, an input validation framework that is provided by the source language or an independent library. Many modern coding languages provide developers with input validation frameworks to make the task of input validation easier and less error-prone. These frameworks will automatically check all input against specified criteria and direct execution to error handlers when invalid input is received. The improper use (i.e., an incorrect implementation or missing altogether) of these frameworks is not directly exploitable, but can lead to an exploitable condition if proper input validation is not performed later in the product. Not using provided input validation frameworks can also hurt the maintainability of code as future developers may not recognize the downstream input validation being used in the place of the validation framework.

What are the security consequences of Improper Use of Validation Framework?+

If exploited, CWE-1173 (Improper Use of Validation Framework) it can compromise Integrity, leading to outcomes such as Unexpected State.

How do you prevent or mitigate Improper Use of Validation Framework?+

Recommended mitigations for CWE-1173 include: Properly use provided input validation frameworks.

Which programming languages are affected by Improper Use of Validation Framework?+

CWE-1173 commonly affects Not Language-Specific. Note that weaknesses are often language-agnostic patterns, so secure coding practices apply broadly.

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

A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-1173 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.

Learn More