CWE
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CWE-270: Privilege Context Switching Error

Individual Definition in a New Window
Privilege Context Switching Error
Status: Draft
Weakness ID: 270 (Weakness Base)
+ Description
Summary

The software does not properly manage privileges while it is switching between different contexts that have different privileges or spheres of control.

+ Time of Introduction
* Architecture and Design
* Implementation
* Operation
+ Applicable Platforms
Languages
All
+ Observed Examples
ReferenceDescription
Web browser cross domain problem when user hits "back" button.
Cross-domain issue - third party product passes code to web browser, which executes it in unsafe zone.
Web browser cross domain problem when user hits "back" button.
Run callback in different security context after it has been changed from untrusted to trusted. * note that "context switch before actions are completed" is one type of problem that happens frequently, espec. in browsers.
+ Potential Mitigations

Very carefully manage the setting, management and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.

Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.

Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.

+ Relationships
NatureTypeIDNameView(s) this relationship pertains toView(s)
ChildOfWeakness BaseWeakness BaseWeakness Base269Improper Privilege Management
Development Concepts (primary)699
Research Concepts (primary)1000
+ Research Gaps

This concept needs more study.

+ Taxonomy Mappings
Mapped Taxonomy NameMapped Node Name
PLOVERPrivilege Context Switching Error
+ Content History
Submissions
PLOVER. (Externally Mined)
Modifications
Eric Dalci. Cigital. 2008-07-01. (External)
updated Time_of_Introduction
CWE Content Team. MITRE. 2008-09-08. (Internal)
updated Description, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
Page Last Updated: May 26, 2009