CWE-432: Dangerous Signal Handler not Disabled During Sensitive Operations

BaseDraft

The product uses a signal handler that shares state with other signal handlers, but it does not properly mask or prevent those signal handlers from being invoked while the original signal handler is still running.

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Extended Description

During the execution of a signal handler, it can be interrupted by another handler when a different signal is sent. If the two handlers share state - such as global variables - then an attacker can corrupt the state by sending another signal before the first handler has completed execution.

Technical Details

Structure
Simple

Applicable To

Languages
Not Language-Specific
Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-432: Dangerous Signal Handler not Disabled During Sensitive Operations?+

CWE-432: Dangerous Signal Handler not Disabled During Sensitive Operations is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product uses a signal handler that shares state with other signal handlers, but it does not properly mask or prevent those signal handlers from being invoked while the original signal handler is still running. During the execution of a signal handler, it can be interrupted by another handler when a different signal is sent. If the two handlers share state - such as global variables - then an attacker can corrupt the state by sending another signal before the first handler has completed execution.

What are the security consequences of Dangerous Signal Handler not Disabled During Sensitive Operations?+

If exploited, CWE-432 (Dangerous Signal Handler not Disabled During Sensitive Operations) it can compromise Integrity, leading to outcomes such as Modify Application Data.

How do you prevent or mitigate Dangerous Signal Handler not Disabled During Sensitive Operations?+

Recommended mitigations for CWE-432 include: Turn off dangerous handlers when performing sensitive operations.

Which programming languages are affected by Dangerous Signal Handler not Disabled During Sensitive Operations?+

CWE-432 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-432 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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