# Cwe 190 Integer Overflow

> Use this skill when you need to remediate CWE-190 (Integer Overflow) vulnerabilities in Java code. Triggers on SAST findings, security reviews, or when fixing integer overflow issues.

- Skill: `developerscoffee/cwe-190-integer-overflow` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add developerscoffee/cwe-190-integer-overflow`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/developerscoffee/cwe-190-integer-overflow/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security
- License: MIT
- Author: DevelopersCoffee (https://skillmd.com/u/developerscoffee)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/developerscoffee/cwe-190-integer-overflow

---


# CWE-190 Integer Overflow

## Description

Integer Overflow

Reference:
https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/190.html


**OWASP Category**: A03:2021 – Injection


---

## Vulnerable Pattern


### ❌ Example 1: Vulnerable Pattern

```java
// VULNERABLE: Standard arithmetic can overflow silently
int userQuantity = Integer.parseInt(request.getParameter("quantity"));
int unitPrice = 100;
int total = userQuantity * unitPrice;  // Overflow wraps to negative!

// Array allocation with overflow
int size = width * height;  // Can overflow
byte[] buffer = new byte[size];
```


**Why it's vulnerable:** This pattern is vulnerable to Integer Overflow




---

## Deterministic Fix


### ✅ Secure Implementation: Secure Implementation

```java
// SECURE: Use Math.xxxExact() methods that throw on overflow
int userQuantity = Integer.parseInt(request.getParameter("quantity"));
int unitPrice = 100;

try {
    int total = Math.multiplyExact(userQuantity, unitPrice);
    int withTax = Math.addExact(total, Math.multiplyExact(total, taxRate) / 100);
} catch (ArithmeticException e) {
    throw new IllegalArgumentException("Quantity too large", e);
}

// For array allocations
try {
    int size = Math.multiplyExact(width, height);
    if (size > MAX_ALLOWED_SIZE) {
        throw new IllegalArgumentException("Size exceeds limit");
    }
    byte[] buffer = new byte[size];
} catch (ArithmeticException e) {
    throw new IllegalArgumentException("Dimensions cause overflow", e);
}
```


**Why it's secure:** Implements proper protection against Integer Overflow




---

## Detection Pattern

Look for these patterns in your codebase:


```bash
# Find arithmetic with parsed input
grep -rn "parseInt\|parseLong" --include="*.java" -A5 | grep -E "\*|\+"
```



---

## Remediation Steps


1. Use Math.addExact(), Math.subtractExact(), Math.multiplyExact()

2. Catch ArithmeticException and handle gracefully

3. Validate input ranges before arithmetic operations

4. Use BigInteger for arbitrary precision when needed


---

## Key Imports

```java

import java.lang.Math;

import java.math.BigInteger;

```

---

## Verification

After remediation:


- Run SAST scanner to confirm vulnerability is resolved

- Review all instances of the vulnerable pattern

- Add unit tests that verify the secure implementation

- Check for similar patterns in related code


---

## Trigger Examples

```
Fix CWE-190 vulnerability
Resolve Integer Overflow issue
Secure this Java code against integer overflow
SAST reports CWE-190
```

---

## Common Vulnerable Locations

| Layer | Files | Patterns |
|-------|-------|----------|

| Controller | `*Controller.java` | User input handling |

| Service | `*Service.java` | Business logic |

| Repository | `*Repository.java` | Data access |


---

## References


- [CWE-190: Integer Overflow](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/190.html)


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**Source**: Generated by [Java CWE Security Skills Generator](https://github.com/DevelopersCoffee/java-cwe-security-skills)
**Last Updated**: 2026-03-07