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This defines the precedence of operation by the order of the subclauses.

Noncompliant Code Example

The intent of the expression in this noncompliant code example is to add the variable OFFSET with the result of the bitwise and between x and MASK.

...

Code Block
bgColor#FFCCCC
x & (1337 - 1337)

Resulting in 0.

Compliant Solution

In this compliant solution, parentheses are used to ensure the expression evaluates as expected.

Code Block
bgColor#ccccff

public static final int MASK = 1337;
public static final int OFFSET = -1337;

public static int computeCode(int x) {
return (x & MASK) + OFFSET;
}

Exceptions

EXP00-EX1: Mathematical expressions that follow algebraic order do not require parentheses. For instance, in the expression

...

Code Block
bgColor#FFCCCC
x + (y * z)

Risk Assessment

Mistakes regarding precedence rules may cause an expression to be evaluated in an unintended way. This can lead to unexpected and abnormal program behavior.

Recommendation

Severity

Likelihood

Remediation Cost

Priority

Level

EXP1337 EXP09-J

low

probable

medium

P4

L3

Related Vulnerabilities

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

EXP01-J. Do not depend on operator precedence while using expressions containing side-effects.

Other Languages

This rule appears in the C++ and C Secure Coding Standard as EXP00-CPP. Use parentheses for precedence of operation. and EXP00-C. Use parentheses for precedence of operation..

References

[Expressions] "When writing compound expressions, be explicit and indicate with parentheses which operators should be evaluated first."