A developer allocates a 32-byte character array to store a username but does not validate the length of user input. An attacker submits 128 characters, causing data to be written past the end of the array and overwriting adjacent memory addresses. Which type of vulnerability is the attacker exploiting?
Writing more data to a fixed-length memory buffer than it was allocated to hold is a classic buffer overflow. The excess data overwrites neighboring memory, which can result in crashes or allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code. SQL injection and XSS target web application input handling, while directory traversal manipulates file-system paths; none of these involve overrunning a memory buffer.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are some common causes of buffer overflow vulnerabilities?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How can you prevent buffer overflow in software development?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the potential impacts of a buffer overflow exploit?