CWE-478
Missing Default Case in Multiple Condition Expression
AI Translation Available
The code does not have a default case in an expression with multiple conditions, such as a switch statement.
Status
draft
Abstraction
base
Affected Platforms
C
C#
C++
Java
JavaScript
Python
Extended Description
AI Translation
If a multiple-condition expression (such as a switch in C) omits the default case but does not consider or handle all possible values that could occur, then this might lead to complex logical errors and resultant weaknesses. Because of this, further decisions are made based on poor information, and cascading failure results. This cascading failure may result in any number of security issues, and constitutes a significant failure in the system.
Technical Details
AI Translation
Common Consequences
integrity
Impacts
varies by context
alter execution logic
Detection Methods
automated static analysis
Potential Mitigations
Phases:
implementation
Descriptions:
•
Ensure that there are no cases unaccounted for when adjusting program flow or values based on the value of a given variable. In the case of switch style statements, the very simple act of creating a default case can, if done correctly, mitigate this situation. Often however, the default case is used simply to represent an assumed option, as opposed to working as a check for invalid input. This is poor practice and in some cases is as bad as omitting a default case entirely.