Kaven, an app developer, works for an organization that requires the implementation of dead code. Why would the organization have such a policy? Select all that apply
a. to provide an unnecessary attack vector for attackers
b. because it is one of the secure coding techniques the organization uses
c. because the dead code serves as a placeholder for secure third-party libraries
d. to further obfuscate or camouflage the code, making it difficult for attackers to understand
e. to store the digital signature in a concealed location that is only accessible by the organization
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answers are:
- a. to provide an unnecessary attack vector for attackers
- d. to further obfuscate or camouflage the code, making it difficult for attackers to understand
Explanation:
Dead code refers to sections of a program that do not affect the program’s behavior because they are never executed. However, it can still be included intentionally for various reasons. While dead code is generally discouraged in secure coding practices due to its potential for introducing vulnerabilities, some organizations might implement it deliberately for specific purposes.
a. to provide an unnecessary attack vector for attackers: This might seem counterintuitive, but dead code could introduce security risks if not properly managed. Attackers often look for unused or unexamined code as a potential vulnerability. If dead code includes functions or variables that are not actively used but are still present in the codebase, it could inadvertently create a backdoor or exposure point that attackers could exploit.
d. to further obfuscate or camouflage the code, making it difficult for attackers to understand: One of the main reasons for using dead code is to make the code more complex and difficult for potential attackers to reverse-engineer or analyze. The added complexity can obscure the true intent and structure of the code, making it harder to identify vulnerabilities or logic flaws that could be exploited.
Other options, such as using dead code for secure libraries, placeholders, or storing digital signatures, are not typical uses of dead code. These techniques are generally part of other secure coding strategies like cryptographic signing or using secure third-party libraries, but dead code itself is not the most effective tool for those purposes. Therefore, options b, c, and e are less likely to explain why an organization would adopt a policy of implementing dead code.