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The following table shows a list of C standard library functions that provide limited or no error checking and reporting along with preferable alternatives:

Noncompliant Code Example (atoi())

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The atoi(), atol(), and atoll() functions convert the initial portion of a string token to int, long int, and long long int representation respectively. Except for the behavior on error, they are equivalent as follows:

Unfortunately, atoi() and related functions lack a mechanism for reporting errors for invalid values. Specifically, the atoi(), atol(), and atoll() functions

• Do not need to set errno on an error.
• Have undefined behavior if the value of the result cannot be represented. (See undefined behavior 119118 of Annex J of the C Standard.)
• Return 0 if the string does not represent an integer (which is indistinguishable from a correctly formatted, zero-denoting input string), but the C Standard only specifies the behavior of these functions on success.

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Although it is rare for a violation of this rule to result in a security vulnerability, it can easily result in lost or misinterpreted data.

Automated Detection

This rule in general cannot be detected, although various examples can be detected by simply scanning for functions that have equivalent functions with better error handling.

Related Vulnerabilities

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

Related Guidelines

Bibliography

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