MSC15-J. Use numerical comparison operators to terminate a loop whose counter changes by more than one

If a while or for statement uses a loop counter, and increments or decrements it by more than one, it should use a numerical comparison operator (that is, <, <=, >, or >=) to terminate the loop. This prevents the loop from executing indefinitely or until the counter wraps around and reaches the final value. (See guideline NUM00-J. Detect or prevent integer overflow.)

Noncompliant Code Example

This noncompliant code example appears to iterate five times.

for (i = 1; i != 10; i += 2) {
  // ...
}

However, the loop never terminates because the successive values of i are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, allowing the comparison with 10 to be skipped. The value reaches the maximum representable positive number (Integer.MAX_VALUE) and on subsequent incrementing, wraps to the second lowest negative number (Integer.MIN_VALUE + 1). It then works its way up to -1, then 1, and proceeds as described earlier.

Noncompliant Code Example

This noncompliant code example terminates, but takes more iterations than expected.

for (i = 1; i != 10; i += 5) {
  // ...
}

It increments i so that it is 1, 6 and 11, skipping past 10. The value of i then wraps from near the maximum positive value to near the lowest negative value and works its way up toward zero. It assumes 2, 7, and 12, skipping past 10 again. After the value wraps from the high positive to the low negative side three more times, it finally reaches 0, 5, and 10, terminating the loop.

Compliant Solution

Using a numerical comparison operator guarantees proper loop termination.

for (i = 1; i <= 10; i += 2) {
  // ...
}

Noncompliant Code Example

Numerical comparison operators do not always ensure loop termination when comparing with Integer.MAX_VALUE or Integer.MIN_VALUE.

for (i = 1; i <= Integer.MAX_VALUE; i += 2) {
  // ...
}

This usually happens when the step size is more than one.

Compliant Solution

It is insufficient to compare with Integer.MAX_VALUE - 1 when the loop counter is more than 1. To be compliant, ensure that the comparison is carried out with (Integer.MAX_VALUE - counter's value).

for (i = 1; i <= Integer.MAX_VALUE - 2; i += 2) {
  // ...
}

Risk Assessment

Testing for exact values to terminate a loop may result in infinite loops and denial of service.

Automated Detection

None.

Related Vulnerabilities

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

Other Languages

This guideline appears in the C Secure Coding Standard as guideline MSC21-C. Use inequality to terminate a loop whose counter changes by more than one .

This guideline appears in the C++ Secure Coding Standard as guideline MSC21-CPP. Use inequality to terminate a loop whose counter changes by more than one.

Bibliography

[[JLS 2005]] 15.20.1 Numerical Comparison Operators <, <=, >, and >=

MSC14-J. Finish every set of statements associated with a case label with a break statement      49. Miscellaneous (MSC)      MSC16-J. Address the shortcomings of the Singleton design pattern