What Is Buffer Overflow? How to Prevent Buffer Overflow

Buffer overflow is one of the most common code vulnerabilities. If a buffer overflow vulnerability is not addressed, an untrustworthy agent can take advantage and cause a buffer overrun. In this blog, we break down what is buffer overflow, how to prevent buffer overflow, and we provide examples to help make safeguarding your software against buffer overflow simpler and easier.

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What Is Buffer Overflow?

Buffer overflow is a common software vulnerability. Also known as a buffer overrun, this software security issue is serious because buffer overflow exposes systems to potential cyberthreats and cyberattacks.

What Causes a Buffer Overflow Vulnerability?

A buffer overflow vulnerability happens when there is excess data in a buffer which causes the “overflow." The extra data then overruns into adjacent storage. When a buffer overflow issue occurs, it can cause a full system crash. 

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Types of Buffer Overflow Attacks

There are many examples of buffer overrun / buffer overflow, including: 

• ABV.ANY_SIZE_ARRAY
• ABV.GENERAL
• ABV.ITERATOR
• ABV.MEMBER
• ABV.STACK
• ABV.TAINTED
• ABV.UNICODE.BOUND_MAP
• ABV.UNICODE.FAILED_MAP
• ABV.UNICODE.NNTS_MAP
• ABV.UNICODE.SELF_MAP
• ABV.UNKNOWN_SIZE
• NNTS.MIGHT
• NNTS.MUST
• NNTS.TAINTED
• RABV.CHECK
• RN.INDEX
• SV.FMT_STR.BAD_SCAN_FORMAT
• SV.STRBO.BOUND_COPY.OVERFLOW
• SV.STRBO.BOUND_COPY.UNTERM
• SV.STRBO.BOUND_SPRINTF
• SV.STRBO.UNBOUND_COPY
• SV.STRBO.UNBOUND_SPRINTF
• SV.UNBOUND_STRING_INPUT.CIN
• SV.UNBOUND_STRING_INPUT.FUNC

Detecting Buffer Overflow in C Vulnerability and Preventing Buffer Overflow Attacks

The best way to detect this type of vulnerability is to use a static code analyzer, such as Klocwork.

Klocwork has an extensive set of software security checkers to help ensure that security vulnerabilities cannot be exploited. Each checker provides a description of the violation, an explanation of the potential vulnerabilities and risks, and an example of the code.

Preventing Buffer Overflow in C and Other Languages

Here's how to prevent this software security vulnerability.

Use a Coding Language That Doesn't Allow For Software Vulnerabilities

One way to completely prevent cyberattacks is to use a coding language that doesn’t allow for them. For example, C is a primary target for buffer attacks because the language enables the vulnerability through direct access to memory.  On the other hand, languages like Java, Python, and .NET, are immune to buffer vulnerabilities. 

Be Aware of Buffer Usage During Development

Another way to prevent software vulnerabilities is to be aware of buffer usage during development. Where buffers are accessed is where the vulnerabilities will occur, especially if the functions deal with user-generated input.  

Follow Best Practices to Prevent Buffer Overflow

In addition, here are five best practices: 

1. Leveraging automated code review and testing.
2. DevOps training on the concepts of using unsafe functions. 
3. A focus on safe functions like strncpy vs strcpy and strncat vs strcat.
4. Keeping application servers patched. 
5. Using code analysis tools to periodically check applications for software security flaws.

Prevent a Buffer Overflow Vulnerability with Klocwork

To absolutely ensure your application is safe from damaging software vulnerabilities attacks like buffer overflow, the best course of action is to use static code analysis. As mentioned, C and C++ are particularly vulnerable to overflow. To protect C and C++ applications, you can use an SCA tool and run a coding standard like MISRA or CERT to identify software vulnerabilities.  

SAST  tools are important for detecting security vulnerabilities across software applications.  With SCA tools, security vulnerability issues can be found as code is being developed.  

If your organization wants proactive protection against security threats, a static code analysis tool like Klocwork can help. Register for a free trial to see how Klocwork helps you to prevent vulnerabilities.

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