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Static shared data must not be protected using instance locks because the instance locks are ineffective when two or more instances of the class are created. Consequently, the shared state is not safe for concurrent use.

Noncompliant Code Example (nonstatic lock object for static data)

This noncompliant code example uses a nonstatic lock object to guard access to a static field. If two Runnable tasks, each consisting of a thread are started, they will create two instances of the lock object and lock on each separately.

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This does not prevent either thread from observing an inconsistent value of counter because the increment operation on volatile fields is not atomic in the absence of proper synchronization.

Noncompliant Code Example (method synchronization for static data)

This noncompliant code example uses method synchronization to protect access to a static class member.

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The problem is that this lock is associated with each instance of the class and not with the class object itself. Consequently, threads constructed using different Runnable instances may observe inconsistent values of the counter.

Compliant Solution (static lock object)

This compliant solution declares the lock object as static and consequently, ensures the atomicity of the increment operation.

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There is no requirement of declaring the counter variable as volatile when synchronization is used.

Risk Assessment

Using an instance lock to protect static shared data provides no synchronization properties and can lead to non-deterministic behavior.

Rule

Severity

Likelihood

Remediation Cost

Priority

Level

CON35 CON34- J

medium

probable

medium

P8

L2

Automated Detection

TODO

Related Vulnerabilities

Search for vulnerabilities resulting from the violation of this rule on the CERT website.

References

Wiki Markup
\[[API 06|AA. Java References#API 06]\] 

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