Logic/Time Bomb
Incomplete Base
Structure: Simple
Description
The product contains code that is designed to disrupt the legitimate operation of the product (or its environment) when a certain time passes, or when a certain logical condition is met.
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.
Common Consequences 1
Scope: OtherIntegrity
Impact: Varies by ContextAlter Execution Logic
Potential Mitigations 2
Phase: Installation
Always verify the integrity of the product that is being installed.
Phase: Testing
Conduct a code coverage analysis using live testing, then closely inspect any code that is not covered.
Demonstrative Examples 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.
References 2
Mobile App Top 10 List
Chris Wysopal
13-12-2010
ID: REF-172
A Taxonomy of Computer Program Security Flaws, with Examples
Carl E. Landwehr, Alan R. Bull, John P. McDermott, and William S. Choi
19-11-1993
ID: REF-1431
Applicable Platforms
Languages:
Not Language-Specific : Undetermined
Technologies:
Mobile : Undetermined
Modes of Introduction
Architecture and Design
Implementation
Related Weaknesses
ChildOf:
Embedded Malicious Code (CWE-506)
Taxonomy Mapping
- Landwehr