What is Buffer?
A buffer is a temporary data storage area with limited storage capacity. A buffer is typically area in the memory that is used to transfer data from one location to another location. Buffers are basically allocated in RAM to the processes. When any program is executed, it is loaded into RAM and some memory is temporarily allocated to the program called Buffer.
How Buffer overflows?
Buffer overflow is an attack that occurs when the amount of data that is submitted is larger than the buffer. For example in C, we create array of size 5. If the user enters data > 5,then it will override the data stored in memory further. Buffer are the container for data and in buffer overflow we stuff too much information into the container.
How to protect against buffer overflow?
Basically this type of buffer is possible due to poorly written application code or operating system code. To protect against buffer overflow attacks programmers as well as organisation needs to ensure:-
1. Program should properly test/handle all the overflow conditions.
2. Organisation should ensure all the operating systems and applications are update with latest updates, service packs and patches.
