CWE-117

What is CWE-117 (Improper Output Neutralization for Logs)?

The product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes output written to logs, allowing log injection attacks that can corrupt audit trails or enable CRLF injection.

Vulnerability Insights

Improper Output Neutralization for Logs (CWE-117) represents a security risk across modern software systems. This weakness enables attackers to exploit injection flaws, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or system compromise. Organizations should implement defense-in-depth strategies combining static analysis, runtime monitoring, and binary analysis.

Impact on Systems

• System Compromise: Direct backend execution
• Data Exfiltration: Access to unauthorized records

Real-World Attack Scenario

The attacker recognizes an interface vulnerable to injection. They supply a concatenated malicious payload that breaks out of the expected data context and alters the interpreted logical command structure. The backend system executes the payload implicitly, granting the attacker unauthorized command or data access.

Code Examples

Vulnerable Implementation

const query = "SELECT * FROM data WHERE filter = '" + input + "'";
// VULNERABLE: Injection flaw
db.execute(query);

Secure Alternative

const query = "SELECT * FROM data WHERE filter = ?";
// SECURE: Parameterized execution
db.execute(query, [input]);

Detection with Precogs AI

Precogs AI identifies improper output neutralization for logs patterns through automated binary and source code analysis, detecting CWE-117 weaknesses before they reach production. Our analysis engine examines compiled artifacts without requiring source code access, identifying CWE-117 patterns in vendor software, containers, firmware, and third-party libraries.

Remediation

Implement proper injection controls following secure coding guidelines. Use automated scanning tools like Precogs AI to continuously monitor for CWE-117 vulnerabilities. Apply the principle of least privilege and validate all inputs from untrusted sources.