---
type: "term"
title: "Data Processing Pathways"
description: "The four distinct paths that data can follow during an attack, each mapping to specific TLCTC clusters: 1."
resource: "tlctc:term:data-processing-pathways"
tags:
  - "glossary"
---
# Data Processing Pathways

The four distinct paths that data can follow during an attack, each mapping to specific TLCTC clusters:

1. Data → Data (#1 only) — Pure data manipulation without code execution
2. Data → Function Invocation → Foreign Code Execution (#1 → #7) — Function abuse enabling code execution
3. Data → Exploit Code via Implementation Flaw (#2 or #3) — Unintended data→code transition
4. Data → Foreign Code via Designed Execution Capability (#7 only) — Intended execution capability
