DCL08-A. Properly encode relationships in constant definitions

If one definition affects another, encode the relationship in the definition; do not give two independent definitions. A corollary of this recommendation is not to encode transitory relationships in definitions.

Non-Compliant Coding Example

In this non-compliant coding, the definition for OUT_STR_LEN must always be two greater than the definition of IN_STR_LEN. The following definitions fail to embody this relationship:

enum { IN_STR_LEN=18, OUT_STR_LEN=20 };

Consequently, a programmer performing maintenance on this program would need to identify the relationship and modify both definitions accordingly. While this sort of error appears relatively benign, it could easily lead to serious security vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows.

Compliant Solution

This pair of definitions embodies the relationship between the two definitions.

enum { IN_STR_LEN=18, OUT_STR_LEN=IN_STR_LEN+2 };

As a result, a programmer could reliably modify the program by changing the definition of IN_STR_LEN.

Non-Compliant Coding Example

In this non-compliant coding, a relationship is established between two constants where none exits:

enum { ADULT_AGE=18 };
enum { ALCOHOL_AGE=ADULT_AGE+3 }; /* misleading, relationship established when none exists */

Consequently, a programmer performing maintenance on this program may modify the definition for ADULT_AGE but fail to recognize that the definition for PURCHASE_ALCOHOL_AGE has also been changed as a consequence.

Compliant Solution

This compliant solution does not assume a relationship when none exists:

enum { ADULT_AGE=18 };
enum { ALCOHOL_AGE=21 };

Risk Assessment

Search for vulnerabilities resulting from the violation of this rule on the CERT website.

References

[[Plum 85]] Rule 1-4
[[ISO/IEC 9899-1999]] Section 6.10, "Preprocessing directives," and Section 5.1.1, "Translation environment"