What is the goal of a buffer overflow attack?

The goal of a buffer overflow attack is to inject malicious code into a program. This type of attack exploits a vulnerability in a program's handling of memory. When a program allocates a buffer (a temporary data storage area) and does not properly check the size of the data being inputted, an attacker can overflow this buffer with more data than it can handle. This excess data can overwrite adjacent memory, allowing the attacker to inject and execute their own code.

This malicious code typically gives the attacker control over the affected system, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary commands, gain unauthorized access, and create further security breaches. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for organizations to defend against such vulnerabilities by implementing proper memory management practices and security measures in their software development processes.