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Base · Medium

CWE-1037: Processor Optimization Removal or Modification of Security-critical Code

The developer builds a security-critical protection mechanism into the software, but the processor optimizes the execution of the program such that the mechanism is removed or modified.

CWE-1037 · Base Level ·3 CVEs

Description

The developer builds a security-critical protection mechanism into the software, but the processor optimizes the execution of the program such that the mechanism is removed or modified.

Potential Impact

Integrity

Bypass Protection Mechanism

Detection Methods

  • White Box Opportunistic — In theory this weakness can be detected through the use of white box testing techniques where specifically crafted test cases are used in conjunction with debuggers to verify the order of statements being executed.

Real-World CVE Examples

CVE IDDescription
CVE-2017-5715Intel, ARM, and AMD processor optimizations related to speculative execution and branch prediction cause access control checks to be bypassed when placing data into the cache. Often known as "Spectre"
CVE-2017-5753Intel, ARM, and AMD processor optimizations related to speculative execution and branch prediction cause access control checks to be bypassed when placing data into the cache. Often known as "Spectre"
CVE-2017-5754Intel processor optimizations related to speculative execution cause access control checks to be bypassed when placing data into the cache. Often known as "Meltdown".

CWE-1038: Insecure Automated Optimizations

The product uses a mechanism that automatically optimizes code, e.g. to improve a characteristic such as performance, bu...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-1037?

CWE-1037 (Processor Optimization Removal or Modification of Security-critical Code) is a software weakness identified by MITRE's Common Weakness Enumeration. It is classified as a Base-level weakness. The developer builds a security-critical protection mechanism into the software, but the processor optimizes the execution of the program such that the mechanism is removed or modified.

How can CWE-1037 be exploited?

Attackers can exploit CWE-1037 (Processor Optimization Removal or Modification of Security-critical Code) to bypass protection mechanism. This weakness is typically introduced during the Architecture and Design phase of software development.

How do I prevent CWE-1037?

Follow secure coding practices, conduct code reviews, and use automated security testing tools (SAST/DAST) to detect this weakness early in the development lifecycle.

What is the severity of CWE-1037?

CWE-1037 is classified as a Base-level weakness (Medium abstraction). It has been observed in 3 real-world CVEs.