CWE-558: Use of getlogin() in Multithreaded Application
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 DescriptionThe application uses the getlogin() function in a multithreaded context, potentially causing it to return incorrect values. Extended DescriptionThe getlogin() function returns a pointer to a string that contains the name of the user associated with the calling process. The function is not reentrant, meaning that if it is called from another process, the contents are not locked out and the value of the string can be changed by another process. This makes it very risky to use because the username can be changed by other processes, so the results of the function cannot be trusted. RelationshipsThe table(s) below shows the weaknesses and high level categories that are related to this weakness. These relationships are defined as ChildOf, ParentOf, MemberOf and give insight to similar items that may exist at higher and lower levels of abstraction. In addition, relationships such as PeerOf and CanAlsoBe are defined to show similar weaknesses that the user may want to explore. Relevant to the view "Research Concepts" (CWE-1000)
Modes Of IntroductionThe different Modes of Introduction provide information about how and when this weakness may be introduced. The Phase identifies a point in the life cycle at which introduction may occur, while the Note provides a typical scenario related to introduction during the given phase.
Applicable PlatformsThe listings below show possible areas for which the given weakness could appear. These may be for specific named Languages, Operating Systems, Architectures, Paradigms, Technologies, or a class of such platforms. The platform is listed along with how frequently the given weakness appears for that instance. Languages C (Undetermined Prevalence) C++ (Undetermined Prevalence) Common ConsequencesThe table below specifies different individual consequences associated with the weakness. The Scope identifies the application security area that is violated, while the Impact describes the negative technical impact that arises if an adversary succeeds in exploiting this weakness. The Likelihood provides information about how likely the specific consequence is expected to be seen relative to the other consequences in the list. For example, there may be high likelihood that a weakness will be exploited to achieve a certain impact, but a low likelihood that it will be exploited to achieve a different impact.
Demonstrative ExamplesExample 1 The following code relies on getlogin() to determine whether or not a user is trusted. It is easily subverted. (bad code) Example Language: C pwd = getpwnam(getlogin());
if (isTrustedGroup(pwd->pw_gid)) { allow(); } else {deny(); } Potential Mitigations
MembershipsThis MemberOf Relationships table shows additional CWE Categories and Views that reference this weakness as a member. This information is often useful in understanding where a weakness fits within the context of external information sources.
Taxonomy Mappings
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