Overflow Attack

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.
Sidebar