CWE-675: Multiple Operations on Resource in Single-Operation Context

What is Multiple Operations on Resource in Single-Operation Context?

• Overview: This vulnerability occurs when an application performs the same operation multiple times on a resource when it should only be done once, potentially leading to unintended behavior or errors.

• Exploitation Methods:

• Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering repeated operations, causing resource exhaustion or unintended state changes.
• Common attack patterns include repeated API calls, multiple database write operations, or redundant file system actions.

• Security Impact:

• Direct consequences include data corruption, unintended application behavior, or denial of service.
• Potential cascading effects might involve system instability or broader application failures.
• Business impact could include loss of data integrity, reduced system availability, and damage to reputation.

• Prevention Guidelines:

• Specific code-level fixes involve implementing checks to ensure operations are executed only once as intended.
• Security best practices include validating input, employing idempotent operations, and using locking mechanisms.
• Recommended tools and frameworks include using transaction management systems and monitoring tools to detect anomalous behavior.

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Technical Details

Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified

Affected Languages: Not Language-Specific

Affected Technologies: Not specified

Vulnerable Code Example

Python Example

import os

def delete_file(file_path):
    try:
        os.remove(file_path)  # Attempt to delete the file
        os.remove(file_path)  # Re-attempt to delete the same file (unnecessary operation)
    except FileNotFoundError:
        print("File not found.")
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"An error occurred: {e}")

Explanation:

• Vulnerability: The code attempts to delete the same file twice. If the file is deleted successfully on the first attempt, the second attempt will raise a FileNotFoundError. This redundant operation can lead to unnecessary exceptions and potentially reveal sensitive information if error messages are not handled securely.

How to fix Multiple Operations on Resource in Single-Operation Context?

To fix this issue, ensure that operations on resources are performed only once unless a specific reason justifies multiple operations. In this case, we should attempt to delete the file only once. This approach prevents redundant operations and reduces the risk of error-prone code. Additionally, it is crucial to handle exceptions gracefully to avoid leaking sensitive information.

Fixed Code Example

import os

def delete_file(file_path):
    try:
        os.remove(file_path)  # Correctly attempt to delete the file only once
    except FileNotFoundError:
        print("File not found.")
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"An error occurred: {e}")

Explanation:

• Fix: The redundant second call to os.remove(file_path) has been removed. Now, the file is attempted to be deleted only once, avoiding unnecessary operations and potential exceptions. This change ensures that the operation is efficient and the code is cleaner, reducing the chance of errors and maintaining security by not providing excessive error information.