CWE-90: CWE-90: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection')
Description
View on MITRETechnical Details
- Structure
- Simple
- Vulnerability Mapping
- ALLOWED
Applicable To
Security Consequences
Scope
Impact
Mitigation Strategies
Phase
Description
Strategy: Input Validation Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does. When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue." Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
Detection Methods
No detection method information available for this CWE.
Code Examples & CVEs
No examples or observed CVEs available for this CWE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-90: CWE-90: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection')?+
CWE-90: CWE-90: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection') is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. Description
What are the security consequences of CWE-90: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection')?+
If exploited, CWE-90 (CWE-90: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection')) it can compromise Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands, Read Application Data and Modify Application Data, leading to outcomes such as Scope: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability An attacker could include input that changes the LDAP query which allows unintended commands or code to be executed and allows sensitive data to be read or modified or causes other unintended behavior..
How do you prevent or mitigate CWE-90: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection')?+
Recommended mitigations for CWE-90 include: Strategy: Input Validation Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does. When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue." Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
Which programming languages are affected by CWE-90: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection')?+
CWE-90 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-90 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.