What are the consequences of buffer overflows?

What are the consequences of buffer overflows?

Buffer overflows can lead to various serious consequences, including data corruption, crashes, and security vulnerabilities.

Can you explain how they can be exploited?

Certainly! Attackers can exploit buffer overflows to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining unauthorized access to systems.

What are some real-world examples of buffer overflow attacks?

One notable example is the Code Red worm, which exploited a buffer overflow in Microsoft's IIS web server, causing widespread damage.

How can developers prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities?

Developers can prevent buffer overflows by using safe coding practices, such as bounds checking and using languages that manage memory automatically.