External Initialization of Trusted Variables or Data Stores

The product initializes critical internal variables or data stores using inputs that can be modified by untrusted actors.

We track 1 vulnerability of this type. 100% are rated high or critical, and the average CVSS score is 9.1.

How this weakness is prevented

• Implementation: A product system should be reluctant to trust variables that have been initialized outside of its trust boundary, especially if they are initialized by users. Ensure adequate checking (e.g. input validation) is performed when relying on input from outside a trust boundary.
• Architecture and Design: Avoid any external control of variables. If necessary, restrict the variables that can be modified using an allowlist, and use a different namespace or naming convention if possible.