Stack Smashing
Stack Smashing
Stack smashing is a buffer overflow attack that occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, causing the excess data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting data or executing malicious code.
What does Stack Smashing mean?
Stack smashing is a computer security vulnerability that occurs when a program reads or writes beyond the boundaries of a memory buffer. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary code or the deletion of critical data.
Stack smashing is a common attack method because it is relatively easy to exploit. It is often used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflows, to gain control of a system.
Applications
Stack smashing is used in a Variety of applications, including:
- Buffer overflow attacks: Buffer overflows are a type of memory corruption attack that occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer than it can hold. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary code or the deletion of critical data.
- Format string attacks: Format string attacks are a type of stack smashing attack that occurs when a program uses a format string to print data to a buffer. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary code or the deletion of critical data.
- Heap spraying attacks: Heap spraying attacks are a type of stack smashing attack that occurs when a program allocates a large number of small objects on the heap. This can Make it difficult for the program to track the objects and can lead to the execution of arbitrary code or the deletion of critical data.
History
Stack smashing has been a known vulnerability for many years. It was first described in a paper by Aleph One in 1996. Since then, stack smashing has been used in a number of high-profile attacks, including the Morris worm in 1988 and the Code Red worm in 2001.
In response to the growing threat of stack smashing, a number of security measures have been developed. These measures include:
- Stack cookies: Stack cookies are a random value that is placed on the stack before a function is called. If the stack cookie is modified, it indicates that a stack smashing attack has occurred.
- Address space layout randomization (ASLR): ASLR is a technique that randomizes the location of the stack and other critical data structures. This makes it more difficult for attackers to find and exploit vulnerabilities.
- Data execution prevention (DEP): DEP is a technique that prevents the execution of code from data pages. This makes it more difficult for attackers to exploit stack smashing vulnerabilities.
Stack smashing remains a serious security threat, but the development of new security measures has made it more difficult to exploit.