CWE-774: Allocation of File Descriptors or Handles Without Limits or Throttling
Allocation of File Descriptors or Handles Without Limits or Throttling
Weakness ID: 774 (Weakness Variant)
Status: Incomplete
Description
Description Summary
The software 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.
Extended Description
This can cause the software to consume all available file descriptors or
handles, which can prevent other processes from performing critical file
processing operations.
Time of Introduction
Architecture and Design
Implementation
Common Consequences
Scope
Effect
Availability
When allocating resources without limits, an attacker could prevent
all other processes from accessing the same type of resource.
Likelihood of Exploit
Medium to High
Potential Mitigations
Phase
Description
Implementation
For system resources, consider using the getrlimit() function included
in the sys/resources library in order to determine how many resources
are currently allowed to be opened for the process.
When the current levels get close to the maximum that is defined for
the application (see CWE-770), then limit the allocation of further
resources to privileged users; alternately, begin releasing resources
for less-privileged users. While this mitigation may protect the system
from attack, it will not necessarily stop attackers from adversely
impacting other users.
(Good Code)
C
#include <sys/resource.h>
...
int return_value;
struct rlimit rlp;
...
return_value = getrlimit(RLIMIT_NOFILE, &rlp);
Operation
Use resource-limiting settings provided by the operating system or
environment. For example, setrlimit() can be used to set limits for
certain types of resources. However, this is not available on all
operating systems.
Ensure that your application performs the appropriate error checks and
error handling in case resources become unavailable (CWE-703).
Vulnerability theory is largely about how behaviors and resources
interact. "Resource exhaustion" can be regarded as either a consequence or
an attack, depending on the perspective. This entry is an attempt to reflect
one of the underlying weaknesses that enable these attacks (or consequences)
to take place.
Description
