Buffer overflow

A buffer overflow error happens when a program attempts to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory, known as a buffer. Buffers are used to temporarily store data, but each buffer has a specific, fixed size. If too much data is written into the buffer, excess data spills over into adjacent memory locations. This can lead to unpredictable behavior, crashes, or even security vulnerabilities, as attackers may exploit the overflow to execute malicious code or gain unauthorized access. Languages like C and C++ are particularly vulnerable since they allow direct memory manipulation without built-in safety checks.

Preventing buffer overflow errors involves careful programming practices and rigorous checks. Use functions that perform bounds checking (for example, replacing strcpy with safer alternatives like strncpy or strlcpy in C/C++) to ensure data doesn't exceed allocated buffer size. Employ modern memory-safe languages or tools, or implement explicit size checks before data manipulation. Utilize compiler security features (like stack canaries or address space layout randomization (ASLR)) to mitigate exploitation risks. Additionally, regularly performing code reviews and static analysis helps detect and resolve potential buffer overflow issues early in the development process.