Stack Smashing

A buffer overflow attack that overwrites memory to execute arbitrary code.

Understanding:

Stack Smashing is a buffer overflow attack where an attacker overwrites the stack memory of a program to execute arbitrary code, often leading to system compromise.

Common Applications and Use Cases:

Exploiting Memory Corruption Vulnerabilities – Leads to remote code execution.
Privilege Escalation – Gains higher-level access on a system.
Bypassing DEP & ASLR Protections – Used in advanced attack scenarios.

Best Practices and Security Considerations:

Use Stack Canaries & ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) – Prevents buffer overflow exploits.
Implement Safe Programming Languages (Rust, Go) – Reduces memory vulnerabilities.

Perform Regular Security Audits – Identifies and mitigates exploitable flaws