CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')

low-risk

The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.

Abstraction: Class

Common Consequences

Confidentiality → Read Application Data

Access Control → Bypass Protection Mechanism

Other → Alter Execution Logic

Integrity → Other

Non-Repudiation → Hide Activities

Detection Methods

Automated Static Analysis

Automated static analysis, commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), can find some instances of this weakness by analyzing source code (or binary/compiled code) without having to execute it. Typically, this is done by building a model of data flow and control flow, then searching for potentially-vulnerable patterns that connect "sources" (origins of input) with "sinks" (destinations where the data interacts with external components, a lower layer such as the OS, etc.)

Real-World Examples (10)

CVE	CVSS	EPSS	KEV
CVE-2019-17558	7.5	94.5%	Y
CVE-2019-17558	7.5	94.5%	Y
CVE-2022-46169	9.8	94.5%	Y
CVE-2019-2725	9.8	94.5%	Y
CVE-2022-35914	9.8	94.4%	Y
CVE-2022-35914	9.8	94.4%	Y
CVE-2019-11581	9.8	94.4%	Y
CVE-2019-11581	9.8	94.4%	Y
CVE-2023-22527	9.8	94.4%	Y
CVE-2023-22527	9.8	94.4%	Y

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low-risk

Active Threat 4/50 · Minimal

Exploit Availability 1/50 · Minimal