CWE-774: Allocation of File Descriptors or Handles Without Limits or Throttling

VariantIncompleteExploit Likelihood: Low

The product allocates file descriptors or handles on behalf of an actor without imposing any restrictions on how many descriptors can be allocated, in violation of the intended security policy for that actor.

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Extended 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

Languages
Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-774: Allocation of File Descriptors or Handles Without Limits or Throttling?+

CWE-774: Allocation of File Descriptors or Handles Without Limits or Throttling is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product allocates file descriptors or handles on behalf of an actor without imposing any restrictions on how many descriptors can be allocated, in violation of the intended security policy for that actor. 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 Allocation of File Descriptors or Handles Without Limits or Throttling?+

If exploited, CWE-774 (Allocation of File Descriptors or Handles Without Limits or Throttling) 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-774 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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