CWE-773: Missing Reference to Active File Descriptor or Handle
The product does not properly maintain references to a file descriptor or handle, which prevents that file descriptor/handle from being reclaimed.
View on MITREExtended Description
This can cause the product to consume all available file descriptors or handles, which can prevent other processes from performing critical file processing operations.
Technical Details
- Structure
- Simple
Applicable To
Security Consequences
Scope
Impact
An attacker that can influence the allocation of resources that are not properly maintained could deplete the available resource pool and prevent all other processes from accessing the same type of resource.
Mitigation Strategies
No mitigation information available for this CWE.
Detection Methods
No detection method information available for this CWE.
Code Examples & CVEs
No examples or observed CVEs available for this CWE.
CWE Relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-773: Missing Reference to Active File Descriptor or Handle?+
CWE-773: Missing Reference to Active File Descriptor or Handle is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product does not properly maintain references to a file descriptor or handle, which prevents that file descriptor/handle from being reclaimed. This can cause the product to consume all available file descriptors or handles, which can prevent other processes from performing critical file processing operations.
What are the security consequences of Missing Reference to Active File Descriptor or Handle?+
If exploited, CWE-773 (Missing Reference to Active File Descriptor or Handle) it can compromise Availability, leading to outcomes such as DoS: Resource Consumption (Other).
What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+
A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-773 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.