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The C++ 2004, section 15.3 "Handling an Exception", saysStandard, [except.handle], paragraph 4 [ISO/IEC 14882-2014], states the following:

The handlers for a try block are tried in order of appearance. That makes it possible to write handlers that can that can never be executed, for example by placing a handler for a derived class after a handler for a corresponding base corresponding base class.

A ... in a handlers exception-declaration functions similarly to ... in a function parameter declaration; it specifies a match for any exception. If present, a ... handler shall be the last handler for its try block.

Consequently Consequently, if two handlers catch exceptions that are derived from the same base class (such as std::exception), the most derived exception should must come first.

...

Noncompliant Code Example

In this non-compliant noncompliant code example, the first handler will catch catches all exceptions of class B, as well as exceptions of class D, since they are also of class B. Consequently, the second handler will does not catch any exceptions.

// classesClasses used for exception handling
class B {};
class D : public B {};

// ... Using the classes from above
void f() {
  try {
    // ...
  } catch (B &b) {
    // ...
  } catch (D &d) {
    // ...
  }
}

Compliant Solution

In this compliant solution, the first handler will catch catches all exceptions of class D, and the second handler will catch catches all the other exceptions of class B.

// classesClasses used for exception handling
class B {};
class D : public B {};

// ... Using the classes from above
void f() {
  try {
    // ...
  } catch (D &d) {
    // ...
  } catch (B &b) {
    // ...
  }
}

Risk Assessment

Badly ordering exception handlers can Exception handlers with inverted priorities cause unexpected control flow when an exception of the derived type occurs.

References

\[[ISO/IEC 14882-2003|AA. C++ References#ISO/IEC 14882-2003]\]
\[[MISRA 08|AA. C++ References#MISRA 08]\] Rule 15-3-6 & 15-3-7

Automated Detection

Related Vulnerabilities

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

Related Guidelines

Bibliography

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Image Added Image Added Image AddedERR09-CPP. Throw anonymous temporaries and catch by reference      12. Exceptions and Error Handling (ERR)      ERR31-CPP. Don't redefine errno