Configuration Management / Stack Smashing Protection Not Enforced

Description

Stack smashing protection not enforced (CWE-119) is a vulnerability in software or application security that occurs when a program does not enforce some form of stack smashing protection. It is an input validation vulnerability that allows a malicious user to change the application's logic by writing to the stack or heap memory. This can lead to memory corruption and code execution, as well as bypassing security restrictions or causing a denial of service. This vulnerability is most commonly found in applications running on iOS and mobile devices. (Reference: CWE-119, OWASP Testing Guide)

Risk

The risk of this vulnerability is that it can allow an attacker to gain control of the application or system and then use it to gain access to sensitive information or manipulate it in some way. It can also be used to gain access to other systems and networks. If an attacker is successful, they could cause serious damage or disruption.

Solution

The best way to protect against this vulnerability is to ensure that stack smashing protection is enforced in the code. This should be done at the source code level, as well as at the application level. At the source code level, developers should use techniques such as canaries, address space layout randomization (ASLR), and non-executable stacks to protect against stack smashing attacks. At the application level, developers should use tools such as YARA and ClamAV to scan for potential vulnerabilities.

Example

The following code is an example from the CVE directory of how to protect a program from stack smashing attacks:

// Code to protect against stack smashing
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

int main(void)
{
    char buffer[20];
    int canary = 0xDEADBEEF;

    printf("Please enter something: ");
    gets(buffer);

    if (canary != 0xDEADBEEF) {
        printf("Stack smashing detected!\n");
        exit(0);
    }

    printf("Input accepted.\n");
    return 0;
}