Logic/Time Bomb
Weakness ID: 511 (Weakness Base)Status: Incomplete
+ Description

Description Summary

The software contains code that is designed to disrupt the legitimate operation of the software (or its environment) when a certain time passes, or when a certain logical condition is met.

Extended Description

When the time bomb or logic bomb is detonated, it may perform a denial of service such as crashing the system, deleting critical data, or degrading system response time. This bomb might be placed within either a replicating or non-replicating Trojan horse.

+ Time of Introduction
  • Implementation
  • Operation
+ Applicable Platforms

Languages

All

+ Demonstrative Examples

Example 1

Typical examples of triggers include system date or time mechanisms, random number generators, and counters that wait for an opportunity to launch their payload. When triggered, a time-bomb may deny service by crashing the system, deleting files, or degrading system response-time.

+ Potential Mitigations

Always verify the integrity of the software that is being installed.

Phase: Implementation

Conduct a code coverage analysis using live testing, then closely inspect the code that is not covered.

+ Relationships
NatureTypeIDNameView(s) this relationship pertains toView(s)
ChildOfWeakness ClassWeakness Class506Embedded Malicious Code
Development Concepts (primary)699
Research Concepts (primary)1000
+ Taxonomy Mappings
Mapped Taxonomy NameNode IDFitMapped Node Name
LandwehrLogic/Time Bomb
+ Content History
Submissions
Submission DateSubmitterOrganizationSource
LandwehrExternally Mined
Modifications
Modification DateModifierOrganizationSource
2008-07-01Eric DalciCigitalExternal
updated Potential Mitigations, Time of Introduction
2008-09-08CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Relationships, Taxonomy Mappings
2008-10-14CWE Content TeamMITREInternal
updated Description
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