The difference between 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit integers lies in the amount of memory they occupy and the range of values they can represent. As the bit-width increases, the integer can represent a wider range of values, allowing for greater precision and larger numbers to be stored. Some APIs might default to a 16-bit integer, while others might use a 32-bit or 64-bit integer. By specifying int32 or int64, developers can ensure that the data is handled correctly regardless of the underlying system. By adhering to these formats, developers can avoid potential overflow or underflow issues that might arise when dealing with large or negative numbers.
This rule applies at the API Specification level (OAS/Swagger).
Integer Overflow/Underflow: If the API does not specify the size or range of integers it expects, attackers could send extremely large or small integers that overflow or underflow, leading to unexpected behavior such as data corruption, crashes, or potentially even arbitrary code execution.
