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The use of type-generic function-like macros is an allowed exception (PRE00-C-EX4) to PRE00-C. Prefer inline or static functions to function-like macros.

Exceptions

MEM02-C-EX1: Do not immediately cast the results of malloc() for code that will be compiled using a C90-conforming compiler because it is possible for the cast to hide a more critical defect (see DCL31-C. Declare identifiers before using them for a code example that uses malloc() without first declaring it).

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Failing to cast the result of a memory allocation function call into a pointer to the allocated type can result in inadvertent pointer conversions. Code that follows this recommendation will compile and execute equally well in C++.

Recommendation	Severity	Likelihood	Detectable

Remediation Cost

Repairable	Priority	Level
MEM02-C	Low	Unlikely	Yes

Low

Yes

P3

L3

Automated Detection

Tool

Version

Checker

Description

Astrée

Include Page

	Astrée_V
	Astrée_V

alloc-without-cast

Partially checked

Axivion Bauhaus Suite

Include Page

	Axivion Bauhaus Suite_V
	Axivion Bauhaus Suite_V

CertC-MEM02

Fully implemented

Compass/ROSE

Can detect some violations of this recommendation when checking EXP36-C. Do not cast pointers into more strictly aligned pointer types

ECLAIR

Include Page

	ECLAIR_V
	ECLAIR_V

CC2.MEM02

Fully implemented

Fortify SCA

5.0

Can detect violations of this rule with CERT C Rule Pack

PRQA QA-C Include Page

Helix QAC

Include Page

	Helix QAC_V
	Helix QAC_V

C0695

Parasoft C/C++test

Include Page

	Parasoft_V
	Parasoft_V

CERT_C-MEM02-a
CERT_C-MEM02-b

The result of the memory allocation function should be cast immediately
The result of the memory allocation function should be cast immediately into a pointer to the allocated type

PC-lint Plus

Include Page