CWE-454

External Initialization of Trusted Variables or Data Stores

Medium

Description

The product initializes critical internal variables or data stores using inputs that can be modified by untrusted actors.

Potential Impact

How to Fix

Implementation

A product system should be reluctant to trust variables that have been initialized outside of its trust boundary. Ensure adequate checking (e.g. input validation) is performed when relying on input from outside a trust boundary.

Architecture and Design

Avoid any external control of variables. If necessary, restrict the variables that can be modified using an allowlist, and use a different namespace or naming convention if possible.

Detection Methods

Related Weaknesses

References

View on MITRE CWE Database →

Need Help Fixing This Vulnerability?

Our security experts can help you identify and remediate CWE-454 vulnerabilities in your codebase.

Get Security Assessment