During a code audit of a legacy application, a security analyst encounters a function that allocates an array of integers to store results from a user-supplied input. The size of the array is predetermined by a constant value, and the function failed to check if the number of inputs exceeded this size before processing. As a consequence, excess data could overwrite other memory locations. Which specific type of vulnerability is most likely being introduced in this application?
The scenario described indicates the presence of a Buffer Overflow, where the buffer (in this case, an integer array) is fixed in size and not adequately checked for the volume of input supplied, allowing overflow and possible overwrite of other memory areas. A Stack Overflow is incorrect as it specifically pertains to the stack memory segment, usually involved with function call management, not general fixed-size buffer overflows. Integer Overflow deals with errors in arithmetic operations causing the integer to wrap around, which doesn't directly match the scenario presented. Heap Overflow is related to dynamic memory allocation issues in the heap segment, which is also not specified in this scenario.
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What is a Buffer Overflow?
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How can Buffer Overflows be prevented?
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What is the difference between Stack Overflow and Buffer Overflow?