CWE-562
Return of Stack Variable Address
Description
A function returns the address of a stack variable, which will cause unintended program behavior, typically in the form of a crash.
Because local variables are allocated on the stack, when a program returns a pointer to a local variable, it is returning a stack address. A subsequent function call is likely to re-use this same stack address, thereby overwriting the value of the pointer, which no longer corresponds to the same variable since a function's stack frame is invalidated when it returns. At best this will cause the value of the pointer to change unexpectedly. In many cases it causes the program to crash the next time the pointer is dereferenced.
Parent Weaknesses (ChildOf)
Related Weaknesses
Common Consequences
Scope
Impact
Read Memory, Modify Memory, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands, DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
Potential Mitigations
Fix the code so that it does not return a stack address.
CVE-2024-33045product returns stack variable address, leading to memory corruption
Applicable Platforms
Security Training
Train your team to recognize and prevent security threats with our comprehensive security awareness program.
Start TrainingVulnerability Scanning
Discover vulnerabilities in your applications and infrastructure before attackers do.
Scan Now