CWE
Home > CWE List > CWE- Individual Dictionary Definition (1.6)  

CWE-624: Executable Regular Expression Error

 
Executable Regular Expression Error
Weakness ID: 624 (Weakness Base)Status: Incomplete
+ Description

Description Summary

The product uses a regular expression that either (1) contains an executable component with user-controlled inputs, or (2) allows a user to enable execution by inserting pattern modifiers.

Extended Description

Case (2) is possible in the PHP preg_replace() function, and possibly in other languages when a user-controlled input is inserted into a string that is later parsed as a regular expression.

+ Time of Introduction
  • Implementation
+ Applicable Platforms

Languages

PHP

Perl

+ Observed Examples
ReferenceDescription
CVE-2006-2059executable regexp in PHP by inserting "e" modifier into first argument to preg replace
CVE-2005-3420executable regexp in PHP by inserting "e" modifier into first argument to preg replace
CVE-2006-2878CVE-2006-2908complex curly syntax inserted into the replacement argument to PHP preg replace(), which uses the "/e" modifier
+ Potential Mitigations
PhaseDescription

The regular expression feature in some languages allows inputs to be quoted or escaped before insertion, such as \Q and \E in Perl.

+ Relationships
NatureTypeIDNameView(s) this relationship pertains toView(s)
ChildOfWeakness ClassWeakness Class77Improper Sanitization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')
Development Concepts (primary)699
Research Concepts (primary)1000
+ Research Gaps

Under-studied. The existing PHP reports are limited to highly skilled researchers, but there are few examples for other languages. It is suspected that this is under-reported for all languages. Usability factors might make it more prevalent in PHP, but this theory has not been investigated.

+ Content History
Modifications
Modification DateModifierOrganizationSource
2008-07-01Eric DalciCigitalExternal
updated Time of Introduction
2008-09-08CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Applicable Platforms, Relationships, Observed Example
2008-10-14CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Description
Back to top
Page Last Updated: October 29, 2009
 

CWE is a Software Assurance strategic initiative sponsored by the National Cyber Security Division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This Web site is hosted by The MITRE Corporation.
Copyright 2009, The MITRE Corporation. CWE and the CWE logo are trademarks of The MITRE Corporation.

Contact cwe@mitre.org for more information.
Privacy policy
Terms of use
Contact us