CWE-134: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String

The product uses a function that accepts a format string as an argument, but the format string originates from an external source.

Consequences

• Confidentiality: Read Memory
• Integrity, Confidentiality, Availability: Modify Memory, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands

How to prevent it

• Requirements: Choose a language that is not subject to this flaw.
• Implementation: Ensure that all format string functions are passed a static string which cannot be controlled by the user, and that the proper number of arguments are always sent to that function as well. If at all possible, use functions that do not support the %n operator in format strings. [REF-116] [REF-117]
• Build and Compilation: Run compilers and linkers with high warning levels, since they may detect incorrect usage.

Recent advisories

• GHSA-3m6g-2423-7cp3 — Ruby JSON has a format string injection vulnerability
• GHSA-w96v-gf22-crwp — n8n: Webhook Node IP Whitelist Bypass via Partial String Matching
• GHSA-9ccg-6pjw-x645 — ImageMagick has a Format String Bug in InterpretImageFilename leads to arbitrary code execution
• GHSA-q3gg-m8hr-h4x4 — Externally Controlled Format String in Scripting Functions
• CVE-2024-23113 — A use of externally-controlled format string in Fortinet FortiOS versions 7.4.0 through 7.4.2, 7.2.0 through 7.2.6, 7.0.0 through 7.0.13, FortiProxy versions…
• GHSA-5rp4-749p-vx26 — Apache Airflow vulnerable to Use of Externally-Controlled Format String
• CVE-2021-25489 — Assuming radio permission is gained, missing input validation in modem interface driver prior to SMR Oct-2021 Release 1 results in format string bug leading to…
• GHSA-qvm7-23cj-437v — Remote Code Execution in Apache Dubbo
• GHSA-xmq7-7fxm-rr79 — Denial of Service in Tensorflow
• GHSA-28ph-f7gx-fqj8 — Data races in rusqlite
• CVE-2020-3118 — A vulnerability in the Cisco Discovery Protocol implementation for Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to execute arbitrary…
• CVE-2019-1579 — Remote Code Execution in PAN-OS 7.1.18 and earlier, PAN-OS 8.0.11-h1 and earlier, and PAN-OS 8.1.2 and earlier with GlobalProtect Portal or GlobalProtect…
• CVE-2018-0175 — Format String vulnerability in the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) subsystem of Cisco IOS Software, Cisco IOS XE Software, and Cisco IOS XR Software could…
• GHSA-p5wr-vp8g-q5p4 — Plone Sandbox Escape

All advisories for CWE-134