Definition:
An overflow attack occurs when an attacker exploits a vulnerability in a program by inputting more data than the buffer can handle, leading to data corruption or the execution of malicious code.
Use Cases:
- Used by attackers to execute arbitrary code by overflowing buffers in memory, such as in buffer overflow attacks.
- Employed to crash systems or gain unauthorized access by exploiting poorly written software.
Related Terms:
- Buffer Overflow
- Memory Corruption
- Exploit
- Stack Overflow
Questions and Answers:
- How does an overflow attack work?
Attackers input more data than a program's memory buffer can handle, which can cause the system to overwrite adjacent memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
- What are the risks of an overflow attack?
Overflow attacks can lead to system crashes, unauthorized access, or the execution of malicious code, compromising system integrity.
- How can overflow attacks be prevented?
Developers can prevent overflow attacks by using proper input validation, bounds checking, and secure coding practices to handle memory buffers.