Data Types Used In OVAL Definitions

binary

The binary datatype is used to represent hex-encoded data that is in raw (non-printable) form. This datatype conforms to the W3C Recommendation for binary data meaning that each binary octet is encoded as a character tuple, consisting of two hexadecimal digits {[0-9a-fA-F]} representing the octet code. Expected operations within OVAL for binary values are 'equals' and 'not equal'.

boolean

The boolean datatype represents standard boolean data, either true or false. This datatype conforms to the W3C Recommendation for boolean data meaning that the following literals are legal values: {true, false, 1, 0}. Expected operations within OVAL for boolean values are 'equals' and 'not equal'.

evr_string

The evr_string datatype represents the epoch, version, and release fields as a single version string. It has the form "EPOCH:VERSION-RELEASE". Comparisons involving this datatype should follow the algorithm of librpm's rpmvercmp() function. Expected operations within OVAL for evr_string values are 'equals', 'not equal', 'greater than', 'greater than or equal', 'less than', and 'less than or equal'.

fileset_revision

The fileset_revision datatype represents the version string related to filesets in HP-UX. An example would be 'A.03.61.00'. As far as implementing operations, right now there is a IP licensing issue being discussed on our ability to publicize the method to do this; however, the HP-UX team is willing to discuss how to implement this with anyone who would like to do it while we are waiting for the IP licensing issue to be resolved. Expected operations within OVAL for fileset_version values are 'equals', 'not equal', 'greater than', 'greater than or equal', 'less than', and 'less than or equal'.

float

The float datatype describes standard float data. This datatype conforms to the W3C Recommendation for float data meaning it is patterned after the IEEE single-precision 32-bit floating point type. The format consists of a decimal followed, optionally, by the character 'E' or 'e', followed by an integer exponent. The special values positive and negative infinity and not-a-number have are represented by INF, -INF and NaN, respectively. Expected operations within OVAL for float values are 'equals', 'not equal', 'greater than', 'greater than or equal', 'less than', and 'less than or equal'.

ios_version

The ios_version datatype describes Cisco IOS Train strings. These are in essence version strings for IOS. Please refer to Cisco's IOS Reference Guide for information on how to compare different Trains as they follow a very specific pattern. Expected operations within OVAL for ios_version values are 'equals', 'not equal', 'greater than', 'greater than or equal', 'less than', and 'less than or equal'.

int

The int datatype describes standard integer data. This datatype conforms to the W3C Recommendation for integer data which follows the standard mathematical concept of the integer numbers. (no decimal point and infinite range) Expected operations within OVAL for int values are 'equals', 'not equal', 'greater than', 'greater than or equal', 'less than', 'less than or equal', 'bitwise and', and 'bitwise or'.

record

The record datatype describes an entity with structured set of named fields and values as its content. The only allowed operation within OVAL for record values is 'equals'. Note that the record datatype is not currently allowed when using variables.

string

The string datatype describes standard string data. This datatype conforms to the W3C Recommendation for string data. Expected operations within OVAL for string values are 'equals', 'not equal', 'case insensitive equals', 'case insensitive not equal', 'pattern match'.

version

The version datatype represents a value that is a hierarchical list of non-negative integers separated by a single character delimiter. Note that any non-number character can be used as a delimiter and that different characters can be used within the same version string. So '#.#-#' is the same as '#.#.#' or '#c#c#'. Expected operations within OVAL for version values are 'equals', 'not equal', 'greater than', 'greater than or equal', 'less than', and 'less than or equal'.

For example '#.#.#' or '#-#-#-#' where the numbers to the left are more significant than the numbers to the right. When performing an 'equals' operation on a version datatype, you should first check the left most number for equality. If that fails, then the values are not equal. If it succeeds, then check the second left most number for equality. Continue checking the numbers from left to right until the last number has been checked. If, after testing all the previous numbers, the last number is equal then the two versions are equal. When performing other operations, such as 'less than', 'less than or equal', 'greater than, or 'greater than or equal', similar logic as above is used. Start with the left most number and move from left to right. For each number, check if it is less than the number you are testing against. If it is, then the version in question is less than the version you are testing against. If the number is equal, then move to check the next number to the right. For example, to test if 5.7.23 is less than or equal to 5.8.0 you first compare 5 to 5. They are equal so you move on to compare 7 to 8. 7 is less than 8 so the entire test succeeds and 5.7.23 is 'less than or equal' to 5.8.0. The difference between the 'less than' and 'less than or equal' operations is how the last number is handled. If the last number is reached, the check should use the given operation (either 'less than' and 'less than or equal') to test the number. For example, to test if 4.23.6 is greater than 4.23.6 you first compare 4 to 4. They are equal so you move on to compare 23 to 23. They are equal so you move on to compare 6 to 6. This is the last number in the version and since 6 is not greater than 6, the entire test fails and 4.23.6 is not greater than 4.23.6.

Version strings with a different number of components shall be padded with zeros to make them the same size. For example, if the version strings '1.2.3' and '6.7.8.9' are being compared, then the short one should be padded to become '1.2.3.0'.

OVAL Definitions By Referenced Objects

How does it work? User agreement and privacy statement About & Contact

CVE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritive source of CVE content is MITRE's CVE web site. CWE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritive source of CWE content is MITRE's CWE web site. OVAL is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation and the authoritive source of OVAL content is MITRE's OVAL web site.

Warning: This site and all data are provided as is. It is not guaranteed that all information is accurate and complete. Use any information provided on this site at your own risk. By using this site you accept that you know that these data are provided as is and not guaranteed to be accurate, correct or complete. All trademarks appearing on this site are the property of their respective owners in the US or other countries. It is the responsibility of user to evaluate the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, opinion, advice or other content. EACH USER WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY consequences of his or her direct or indirect use of this web site. ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. This site will NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT or any other kind of loss. PLEASE SEE nvd.nist.gov and oval.mitre.org for more details about OVAL language and definitions.
The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor/web site owner/maintainer be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.
Use of OVAL and all related data is subject to terms of use defined by Mitre at http://oval.mitre.org/oval/about/termsofuse.html