Input Validation
Definition
Implement input validation to protect against injection attacks and buffer overflows
How it works
Input validation ensures data entered into a system meets predefined criteria, preventing security vulnerabilities
like injection attacks. Software checks user inputs for type, length, format, and range, rejecting invalid data.
Regular expressions and validation rules define acceptable input patterns. Sanitization techniques remove malicious
content. Validating both client-side and server-side inputs enhances security. Proper input validation mitigates the
risk of code injection, buffer overflows, and other cyber threats, contributing to robust software resilience
against malicious input attempts.
In robotics
In the field of robotics, input validation is a critical aspect of ensuring the integrity and safety of commands and
data received by robotic systems. Input validation involves examining and verifying the data or commands provided to
a robot to ensure they conform to expected formats, ranges, and structures. This process is essential for preventing
erroneous or malicious inputs that could compromise the robot's functionality or pose safety risks.
Robotic systems typically implement input validation at multiple levels. For sensor inputs, validation checks may
include verifying the data's accuracy, consistency, and relevance to the robot's operational context. This is
crucial for preventing the robot from reacting to false or misleading sensor information. On the command and control
side, input validation ensures that instructions sent to the robot are valid, within acceptable parameters, and
originate from authorized sources.
Common techniques for input validation in robotics include range checks, data type verification, and format
validation. For example, if a robot receives distance measurements from a sensor, the input validation process would
confirm that the values fall within an expected range and are expressed in a suitable unit of measurement.
Similarly, commands given to the robot may undergo validation to confirm they adhere to predefined syntax and are
consistent with the robot's capabilities and safety protocols.
The goal of input validation in robotics is not only to enhance the accuracy and reliability of robotic operations
but also to fortify the system against potential security threats. By carefully scrutinizing and validating inputs,
robotic systems can mitigate the risks associated with erroneous data, prevent unauthorized access or control, and
contribute to the overall safety and robustness of the robotic infrastructure.
Considerations
- Use parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks.
- Validate user inputs on both client and server sides.
- Regularly update validation rules based on emerging threats.
Related ATTACK Techniques
Sensor Tampering
References
Testing, Validation, and Verification of Robotic and
Autonomous Systems: A Systematic Review
Practical
Techniques
for Verification and
Validation of Robots
RVFUZZER: Finding Input Validation Bugs in
Robotic Vehicles Through
Control-Guided Testing