CWE-188: Reliance on Data/Memory Layout

BaseStable

Description

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Extended Description

Extended Description

Technical Details

Structure
Simple
Vulnerability Mapping
ALLOWED

Applicable To

Languages
Languages
Platforms
Languages

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-188: Reliance on Data/Memory Layout?+

CWE-188: Reliance on Data/Memory Layout is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. Description Extended Description

What are the security consequences of Reliance on Data/Memory Layout?+

If exploited, CWE-188 (Reliance on Data/Memory Layout) it can compromise Modify Memory and Read Memory, leading to outcomes such as Scope: Integrity and Confidentiality Can result in unintended modifications or exposure of sensitive memory..

How do you prevent or mitigate Reliance on Data/Memory Layout?+

Recommended mitigations for CWE-188 include: In flat address space situations, never allow computing memory addresses as offsets from another memory address. Fully specify protocol layout unambiguously, providing a structured grammar (e.g., a compilable yacc grammar). Testing: Test that the implementation properly handles each case in the protocol grammar.

Which programming languages are affected by Reliance on Data/Memory Layout?+

CWE-188 commonly affects Languages. 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-188 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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