Description
The product does not use a standardized method for handling errors throughout the code, which might introduce inconsistent error handling and resultant weaknesses.
If the product handles error messages individually, on a one-by-one basis, this is likely to result in inconsistent error handling. The causes of errors may be lost. Also, detailed information about the causes of an error may be unintentionally returned to the user.
Potential Impact
Integrity, Other
Quality Degradation, Unexpected State, Varies by Context
Mitigations & Prevention
define a strategy for handling errors of different severities, such as fatal errors versus basic log events. Use or create built-in language features, or an external package, that provides an easy-to-use API and define coding standards for the detection and handling of errors.
Related Weaknesses
Taxonomy Mappings
- CERT C Secure Coding: ERR00-C — Adopt and implement a consistent and comprehensive error-handling policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-544?
CWE-544 (Missing Standardized Error Handling Mechanism) is a software weakness identified by MITRE's Common Weakness Enumeration. It is classified as a Base-level weakness. The product does not use a standardized method for handling errors throughout the code, which might introduce inconsistent error handling and resultant weaknesses.
How can CWE-544 be exploited?
Attackers can exploit CWE-544 (Missing Standardized Error Handling Mechanism) to quality degradation, unexpected state, varies by context. This weakness is typically introduced during the Architecture and Design phase of software development.
How do I prevent CWE-544?
Key mitigations include: define a strategy for handling errors of different severities, such as fatal errors versus basic log events. Use or create built-in language features, or an external package, that provides an easy-to-
What is the severity of CWE-544?
CWE-544 is classified as a Base-level weakness (Medium abstraction). Its actual severity depends on the specific context and how the weakness manifests in your application.