Automated static analysis, commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), can find some instances of this weakness by analyzing source code (or binary/compiled code) without having to execute it. Typically, this is done by building a model of data flow and control flow, then searching for potentially-vulnerable patterns that connect "sources" (origins of input) with "sinks" (destinations where the data interacts with external components, a lower layer such as the OS, etc.)
Explicit Call to Finalize()
This vulnerability occurs when code directly calls an object's finalize() method from outside its designated finalizer context.
What is CWE-586?
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-586
No public CVE references are linked to this CWE in MITRE's catalog yet.
Step-by-step attacker path
- 1
Identify a code path that handles untrusted input without validation.
- 2
Craft a payload that exercises the unsafe behavior — injection, traversal, overflow, or logic abuse.
- 3
Deliver the payload through a normal request and observe the application's reaction.
- 4
Iterate until the response leaks data, executes attacker code, or escalates privileges.
Vulnerable Java
The following code fragment calls finalize() explicitly:
```
// time to clean up*
widget.finalize(); Secure pseudo
// Validate, sanitize, or use a safe API before reaching the sink.
function handleRequest(input) {
const safe = validateAndEscape(input);
return executeWithGuards(safe);
} How to prevent CWE-586
- Implementation / Testing Do not make explicit calls to finalize(). Use static analysis tools to spot such instances.
How to detect CWE-586
Plexicus auto-detects CWE-586 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-586?
This vulnerability occurs when code directly calls an object's finalize() method from outside its designated finalizer context.
How serious is CWE-586?
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-586?
MITRE lists the following affected platforms: Java.
How can I prevent CWE-586?
Do not make explicit calls to finalize(). Use static analysis tools to spot such instances.
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-586?
Plexicus's SAST engine matches the data-flow signature for CWE-586 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-586?
MITRE publishes the canonical definition at https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/586.html. You can also reference OWASP and NIST documentation for adjacent guidance.
Weaknesses related to CWE-586
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Parent Class with a Virtual Destructor and a Child Class without a Virtual Destructor
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Serializable Data Element Containing non-Serializable Item Elements
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Inappropriate Source Code Style or Formatting
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Class Instance Self Destruction Control Element
This vulnerability occurs when an object's code contains logic that triggers its own deletion or destruction during runtime.
Class with Virtual Method without a Virtual Destructor
This occurs when a class defines a virtual method but does not also provide a virtual destructor.
Use of Object without Invoking Destructor Method
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Persistent Storable Data Element without Associated Comparison Control Element
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