CWE-763

Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference

Medium

Description

The product attempts to return a memory resource to the system, but it calls the wrong release function or calls the appropriate release function incorrectly.

Potential Impact

How to Fix

Implementation

Only call matching memory management functions. Do not mix and match routines. For example, when you allocate a buffer with malloc(), dispose of the original pointer with free().

Implementation

When programming in C++, consider using smart pointers provided by the boost library to help correctly and consistently manage memory.

Architecture and Design

Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, glibc in Linux provides protection against free of invalid pointers.

Architecture and Design

Use a language that provides abstractions for memory allocation and deallocation.

Testing

Use a tool that dynamically detects memory management problems, such as valgrind.

Detection Methods

Related Weaknesses

References

View on MITRE CWE Database →

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