CWE-69: Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream
The product does not properly prevent access to, or detect usage of, alternate data streams (ADS).
View on MITREExtended Description
An attacker can use an ADS to hide information about a file (e.g. size, the name of the process) from a system or file browser tools such as Windows Explorer and 'dir' at the command line utility. Alternately, the attacker might be able to bypass intended access restrictions for the associated data fork.
Technical Details
- Structure
- Simple
Applicable To
Security Consequences
Scope
Impact
Mitigation Strategies
Phase
Description
Software tools are capable of finding ADSs on your system.
Phase
Description
Ensure that the source code correctly parses the filename to read or write to the correct stream.
Detection Methods
No detection method information available for this CWE.
Code Examples & CVEs
Observed CVE Examples (2)
In IIS, remote attackers can obtain source code for ASP files by appending "::$DATA" to the URL.
View DetailsProduct does not properly record file sizes if they are stored in alternative data streams, which allows users to bypass quota restrictions.
View DetailsCWE Relationships
No relationship information available for this CWE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-69: Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream?+
CWE-69: Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product does not properly prevent access to, or detect usage of, alternate data streams (ADS). An attacker can use an ADS to hide information about a file (e.g. size, the name of the process) from a system or file browser tools such as Windows Explorer and 'dir' at the command line utility. Alternately, the attacker might be able to bypass intended access restrictions for the associated data fork.
What are the security consequences of Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream?+
If exploited, CWE-69 (Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream) it can compromise Access Control, Non-Repudiation and Other, leading to outcomes such as Bypass Protection Mechanism, Hide Activities and Other.
How do you prevent or mitigate Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream?+
Recommended mitigations for CWE-69 include: Software tools are capable of finding ADSs on your system. Ensure that the source code correctly parses the filename to read or write to the correct stream.
Which programming languages are affected by Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream?+
CWE-69 commonly affects Not Language-Specific. Note that weaknesses are often language-agnostic patterns, so secure coding practices apply broadly.
What are real-world examples of Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream?+
MITRE documents real CVEs mapped to CWE-69, including CVE-1999-0278 and CVE-2000-0927. You can look up the full details of each CVE, including CVSS scores and remediation guidance, on our CVE Lookup tool.
What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+
A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-69 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.