Variant · Low-Medium

CWE-622: Improper Validation of Function Hook Arguments

The product adds hooks to user-accessible API functions, but it does not properly validate the arguments. This could lead to resultant vulnerabilities.

CWE-622 · Variant Level ·5 CVEs ·2 Mitigations

Description

The product adds hooks to user-accessible API functions, but it does not properly validate the arguments. This could lead to resultant vulnerabilities.

Such hooks can be used in defensive software that runs with privileges, such as anti-virus or firewall, which hooks kernel calls. When the arguments are not validated, they could be used to bypass the protection scheme or attack the product itself.

Potential Impact

Integrity

Unexpected State

Mitigations & Prevention

Architecture and Design

Ensure that all arguments are verified, as defined by the API you are protecting.

Architecture and Design

Drop privileges before invoking such functions, if possible.

Real-World CVE Examples

CVE IDDescription
CVE-2007-0708DoS in firewall using standard Microsoft functions
CVE-2006-7160DoS in firewall using standard Microsoft functions
CVE-2007-1376function does not verify that its argument is the proper type, leading to arbitrary memory write
CVE-2007-1220invalid syscall arguments bypass code execution limits
CVE-2006-4541DoS in IDS via NULL argument

Taxonomy Mappings

  • Software Fault Patterns: SFP27 — Tainted input to environment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CWE-622?

CWE-622 (Improper Validation of Function Hook Arguments) is a software weakness identified by MITRE's Common Weakness Enumeration. It is classified as a Variant-level weakness. The product adds hooks to user-accessible API functions, but it does not properly validate the arguments. This could lead to resultant vulnerabilities.

How can CWE-622 be exploited?

Attackers can exploit CWE-622 (Improper Validation of Function Hook Arguments) to unexpected state. This weakness is typically introduced during the Implementation phase of software development.

How do I prevent CWE-622?

Key mitigations include: Ensure that all arguments are verified, as defined by the API you are protecting.

What is the severity of CWE-622?

CWE-622 is classified as a Variant-level weakness (Low-Medium abstraction). It has been observed in 5 real-world CVEs.