CWE-1288 Base Incomplete

Improper Validation of Consistency within Input

This vulnerability occurs when an application accepts structured input containing multiple related fields but fails to verify that the values across those fields are logically consistent with each…

Definition

What is CWE-1288?

This vulnerability occurs when an application accepts structured input containing multiple related fields but fails to verify that the values across those fields are logically consistent with each other.
Many applications process complex data where certain fields must align, like a 'quantity' field followed by a matching number of item entries. If the software doesn't check this internal harmony, attackers can submit deliberately mismatched data. This inconsistency can crash the system, trigger unhandled errors, or cause the application to perform incorrect actions, such as processing the wrong number of items. From a security perspective, failing to validate these relationships opens the door to exploitation. Attackers can use these inconsistencies to bypass business logic, corrupt data in unexpected ways, or uncover deeper flaws that lead to data exposure or system compromise. Consistent validation of all inter-dependent fields is a crucial step in ensuring input integrity and application security.
Real-world impact

Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-1288

  • CVE-2018-16733

    product does not validate that the start block appears before the end block

  • CVE-2006-3790

    size field that is inconsistent with packet size leads to buffer over-read

  • CVE-2008-4114

    system crash with offset value that is inconsistent with packet size

How attackers exploit it

Step-by-step attacker path

  1. 1

    Identify a code path that handles untrusted input without validation.

  2. 2

    Craft a payload that exercises the unsafe behavior — injection, traversal, overflow, or logic abuse.

  3. 3

    Deliver the payload through a normal request and observe the application's reaction.

  4. 4

    Iterate until the response leaks data, executes attacker code, or escalates privileges.

Vulnerable code example

Vulnerable pseudo

MITRE has not published a code example for this CWE. The pattern below is illustrative — see Resources for canonical references.

Vulnerable pseudo 
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
  // Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
  return executeUnsafe(input);
}
Secure code example

Secure pseudo

Secure pseudo 
// Validate, sanitize, or use a safe API before reaching the sink.
function handleRequest(input) {
  const safe = validateAndEscape(input);
  return executeWithGuards(safe);
}
What changed: the unsafe sink is replaced (or the input is validated/escaped) so the same payload no longer triggers the weakness.
Prevention checklist

How to prevent CWE-1288

  • Implementation Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does. When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue." Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
Detection signals

How to detect CWE-1288

SAST High

Run static analysis (SAST) on the codebase looking for the unsafe pattern in the data flow.

DAST Moderate

Run dynamic application security testing against the live endpoint.

Runtime Moderate

Watch runtime logs for unusual exception traces, malformed input, or authorization bypass attempts.

Code review Moderate

Code review: flag any new code that handles input from this surface without using the validated framework helpers.

Plexicus auto-fix

Plexicus auto-detects CWE-1288 and opens a fix PR in under 60 seconds.

Codex Remedium scans every commit, identifies this exact weakness, and ships a reviewer-ready pull request with the patch. No tickets. No hand-offs.

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What is CWE-1288?

This vulnerability occurs when an application accepts structured input containing multiple related fields but fails to verify that the values across those fields are logically consistent with each other.

How serious is CWE-1288?

MITRE has not published a likelihood-of-exploit rating for this weakness. Treat it as medium-impact until your threat model proves otherwise.

What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-1288?

MITRE has not specified affected platforms for this CWE — it can apply across most application stacks.

How can I prevent CWE-1288?

Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does. When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and…

How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-1288?

Plexicus's SAST engine matches the data-flow signature for CWE-1288 on every commit. When a match is found, our Codex Remedium agent opens a fix PR with the corrected code, tests, and a one-line summary for the reviewer.

Where can I learn more about CWE-1288?

MITRE publishes the canonical definition at https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/1288.html. You can also reference OWASP and NIST documentation for adjacent guidance.

Related weaknesses

Weaknesses related to CWE-1288

CWE-20 Parent

Improper Input Validation

This vulnerability occurs when an application accepts data from an external source but fails to properly verify that the data is safe and…

CWE-102 Sibling

Struts: Duplicate Validation Forms

This vulnerability occurs when an application defines multiple Struts validation forms with identical names. The framework then…

CWE-103 Sibling

Struts: Incomplete validate() Method Definition

This vulnerability occurs in a Struts application when a validator form either completely omits a validate() method or includes one but…

CWE-104 Sibling

Struts: Form Bean Does Not Extend Validation Class

This vulnerability occurs in Apache Struts applications when a form bean class does not properly extend the framework's validation class.…

CWE-105 Sibling

Struts: Form Field Without Validator

This vulnerability occurs when a Struts application form contains an input field that lacks a corresponding validator, leaving it open to…

CWE-106 Sibling

Struts: Plug-in Framework not in Use

This weakness occurs when a Java application, particularly one using the Struts framework, does not implement a structured input…

CWE-107 Sibling

Struts: Unused Validation Form

This vulnerability occurs when a Struts application contains validation form definitions that are no longer linked to any active form or…

CWE-108 Sibling

Struts: Unvalidated Action Form

In Apache Struts, every Action Form that processes user input must have a corresponding validation form configured. Missing this…

CWE-109 Sibling

Struts: Validator Turned Off

This vulnerability occurs when an application built with Apache Struts intentionally disables its built-in validation framework. By…

Resources

Further reading

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