CWE-769 Base Deprecated

DEPRECATED: Uncontrolled File Descriptor Consumption

This entry has been deprecated and merged into CWE-774 (Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling). The content describing uncontrolled file descriptor consumption is now fully covered…

Definition

What is CWE-769?

This entry has been deprecated and merged into CWE-774 (Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling). The content describing uncontrolled file descriptor consumption is now fully covered under that more comprehensive weakness.
File descriptor exhaustion occurs when a program opens files, sockets, or pipes without properly closing them or enforcing limits. This can happen due to infinite loops, failure to handle errors, or simply neglecting to release resources after use. When the system runs out of descriptors, the application and potentially other processes will fail to open new files or network connections, leading to crashes or denial-of-service. Developers should treat file descriptors as a finite system resource that requires active management. Implement robust error handling to catch and close descriptors on failures, use tools like `ulimit` to set process boundaries, and consider using resource pools or throttling mechanisms. The core issue is now addressed under CWE-774, which covers the broader pattern of unlimited resource allocation.
Real-world impact

Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-769

No public CVE references are linked to this CWE in MITRE's catalog yet.

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-769

  • Architecture Use safe-by-default frameworks and APIs that prevent the unsafe pattern from being expressible.
  • Implementation Validate input at trust boundaries; use allowlists, not denylists.
  • Implementation Apply the principle of least privilege to credentials, file paths, and runtime permissions.
  • Testing Cover this weakness in CI: SAST rules + targeted unit tests for the data flow.
  • Operation Monitor logs for the runtime signals listed in the next section.
Detection signals

How to detect CWE-769

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-769 and opens a fix PR in under 60 seconds.

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What is CWE-769?

This entry has been deprecated and merged into CWE-774 (Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling). The content describing uncontrolled file descriptor consumption is now fully covered under that more comprehensive weakness.

How serious is CWE-769?

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-769?

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

How can I prevent CWE-769?

Use safe-by-default frameworks, validate untrusted input at trust boundaries, and apply the principle of least privilege. Cover the data-flow signature in CI with SAST.

How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-769?

Plexicus's SAST engine matches the data-flow signature for CWE-769 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-769?

MITRE publishes the canonical definition at https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/769.html. You can also reference OWASP and NIST documentation for adjacent guidance.

Related weaknesses

Weaknesses related to CWE-769

No related weaknesses indexed for this CWE.

Resources

Further reading

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