CWE-773

Missing Reference to Active File Descriptor or Handle
AI Translation Available

The product does not properly maintain references to a file descriptor or handle, which prevents that file descriptor/handle from being reclaimed.

Status
incomplete
Abstraction
variant

This can cause the product to consume all available file descriptors or handles, which can prevent other processes from performing critical file processing operations.

Common Consequences

availability
Impacts
dos: resource consumption (other)

Detection Methods

automated static analysis

Potential Mitigations

Phases:
operation architecture and design
Descriptions:
• Use resource-limiting settings provided by the operating system or environment. For example, when managing system resources in POSIX, setrlimit() can be used to set limits for certain types of resources, and getrlimit() can determine how many resources are available. However, these functions are not available on all operating systems. When the current levels get close to the maximum that is defined for the application (see CWE-770), then limit the allocation of further resources to privileged users; alternately, begin releasing resources for less-privileged users. While this mitigation may protect the system from attack, it will not necessarily stop attackers from adversely impacting other users. Ensure that the application performs the appropriate error checks and error handling in case resources become unavailable (CWE-703).