• CWE-478: Missing Default Case in Multiple Condition Expression

Here’s a translation of the statement “The code does not have a default case in an expression with multiple conditions, such as a switch statement,” aiming for a professional and technically precise tone, suitable for a security report or developer communication. I’ve included options to adjust the formality slightly. Option 1 (More Formal - Suitable for a Security Report): “The code exhibits a deficiency: the presence of an expression with multiple conditions, specifically a switch statement, lacks a default case. This omission represents a potential vulnerability, as it fails to account for unexpected or invalid input, which could lead to unpredictable behavior or exploitable conditions.” Option 2 (Slightly Less Formal - Suitable for Developer Communication): “A review of the code revealed a potential issue: expressions with multiple conditions, such as switch statements, are missing a default case. This lack of a default case can lead to unexpected behavior if the expression receives an unexpected value, and should be addressed.” Option 3 (Concise and Direct - Suitable for a Checklist or Brief Note): “Missing default case in expressions with multiple conditions (e.g., switch statements) detected. This represents a potential risk and requires remediation.” Key Considerations in the Translation:

  • “Deficiency” / “Issue” / “Risk”: These words convey the seriousness of the problem without being overly alarmist. * “Unexpected Value” / “Invalid Input”: These phrases clearly explain the scenario that triggers the problem. * “Remediation”: This is a standard term in IT security and development, indicating the need for corrective action. * “Exploitable Conditions”: (Option 1) Highlights the potential for malicious actors to leverage the missing default case.

Choose the option that best suits the context and audience.

CWE-478: Missing Default Case in Multiple Condition Expression

CWE ID: 478
Name: Missing Default Case in Multiple Condition Expression

Beschreibung

Here’s a translation of the statement “The code does not have a default case in an expression with multiple conditions, such as a switch statement,” aiming for a professional and technically precise tone, suitable for a security report or developer communication. I’ve included options to adjust the formality slightly.

Option 1 (More Formal - Suitable for a Security Report):

“The code exhibits a deficiency: the presence of an expression with multiple conditions, specifically a switch statement, lacks a default case. This omission represents a potential vulnerability, as it fails to account for unexpected or invalid input, which could lead to unpredictable behavior or exploitable conditions.”

Option 2 (Slightly Less Formal - Suitable for Developer Communication):

“A review of the code revealed a potential issue: expressions with multiple conditions, such as switch statements, are missing a default case. This lack of a default case can lead to unexpected behavior if the expression receives an unexpected value, and should be addressed.”

Option 3 (Concise and Direct - Suitable for a Checklist or Brief Note):

“Missing default case in expressions with multiple conditions (e.g., switch statements) detected. This represents a potential risk and requires remediation.”

Key Considerations in the Translation:

  • “Deficiency” / “Issue” / “Risk”: These words convey the seriousness of the problem without being overly alarmist.
  • “Unexpected Value” / “Invalid Input”: These phrases clearly explain the scenario that triggers the problem.
  • “Remediation”: This is a standard term in IT security and development, indicating the need for corrective action.
  • “Exploitable Conditions”: (Option 1) Highlights the potential for malicious actors to leverage the missing default case.

Choose the option that best suits the context and audience.

Erweiterte Beschreibung

Here’s a translation of the provided text, maintaining a professional and technically precise tone, and preserving the English terminology:

“The omission of a default case in a multiple-condition expression, such as a switch statement in C, coupled with a failure to account for all potential values that could occur, can lead to complex logical errors and resultant weaknesses. This deficiency can trigger subsequent decisions based on flawed information, resulting in a cascading failure. This cascading failure may manifest as a variety of security issues and constitutes a significant systemic failure, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of the system.”

Explanation of Choices & Key Considerations:

  • “Systemic Failure”: This emphasizes the broad impact beyond just a localized error.
  • “Compromising the integrity and availability”: This explicitly links the failure to common security concerns.
  • “Potential Values”: More precise than just “possible values.”
  • “Manifest as”: A more formal way of saying “result in.”
  • The overall tone aims to be serious and highlight the potential for significant consequences.

Risikominderungsmaßnahmen

Maßnahme (Implementation)

Effektivität: Unknown
Beschreibung: “It is imperative to ensure that no cases are unaccounted for when adjusting program flow or values based on the value of a given variable. In the context of switch style statements, the seemingly simple act of creating a default case can, when implemented correctly, effectively mitigate this risk. However, it is frequently observed that the default case is utilized to represent an assumed option rather than functioning as a check for invalid input. This constitutes poor practice and, in certain instances, is as detrimental as omitting a default case entirely.”

Explanation of Choices:

  • “Detrimental”: A stronger and more formal word choice to emphasize the severity of the issue.
  • “Implemented correctly”: Highlights that simply having a default case isn’t enough; it needs to be used properly.
  • “Utilized”: A more formal synonym for “used.”
  • The overall tone remains professional and emphasizes the importance of correct implementation.