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CWE-232: Improper Handling of Undefined Values

 
Improper Handling of Undefined Values
Weakness ID: 232 (Weakness Base)Status: Draft
+ Description

Description Summary

The software does not handle or incorrectly handles when a value is not defined or supported for the associated parameter, field, or argument name.
+ Time of Introduction
  • Architecture and Design
  • Implementation
+ Applicable Platforms

Languages

All

+ Common Consequences
ScopeEffect
Integrity

Technical Impact: Unexpected state

+ Demonstrative Examples

Example 1

In the excerpt below, if the value of the address parameter is null (undefined), the servlet will throw a NullPointerException.

(Bad Code)
Example Language: Java 
String address = request.getParameter("address").trim();
+ Observed Examples
ReferenceDescription
CVE-2000-1003Client crash when server returns unknown driver type.
+ Relationships
NatureTypeIDNameView(s) this relationship pertains toView(s)
ChildOfWeakness ClassWeakness Class229Improper Handling of Values
Development Concepts (primary)699
Research Concepts (primary)1000
ChildOfCategoryCategory851CERT Java Secure Coding Section 06 - Exceptional Behavior (ERR)
Weaknesses Addressed by the CERT Java Secure Coding Standard (primary)844
+ Taxonomy Mappings
Mapped Taxonomy NameNode IDFitMapped Node Name
PLOVERUndefined Value Error
CERT Java Secure CodingERR08-JDo not catch NullPointerException or any of its ancestors
+ Content History
Submissions
Submission DateSubmitterOrganizationSource
PLOVERExternally Mined
Modifications
Modification DateModifierOrganizationSource
2008-07-01Sean EidemillerCigitalExternal
added/updated demonstrative examples
2008-07-01Eric DalciCigitalExternal
updated Time_of_Introduction
2008-09-08CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
2009-03-10CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Description, Name
2011-06-01CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Common_Consequences, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
2011-06-27CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Common_Consequences
Previous Entry Names
Change DatePrevious Entry Name
2008-04-11Undefined Value Error
2009-03-10Failure to Handle Undefined Value
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Page Last Updated: September 12, 2011
 

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