Buffer overflow
Testing for buffer overflow is typically categorized as a part of security testing, and more specifically, it often falls under penetration testing or vulnerability assessment, depending on the context:
1. Penetration Testing
Penetration testing (pentesting) involves simulating attacks to discover security weaknesses in a system. Testing for buffer overflows is a common component of pentesting, especially when targeting applications written in languages like C or C++ that are prone to memory management issues.
During pentesting, testers might:
Identify inputs that could be used to trigger buffer overflows.
Craft payloads to exploit the overflow, potentially gaining control of the system or causing a denial of service.
Tools such as fuzzers, custom scripts, or frameworks like Metasploit are often used to identify and exploit buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
2. Vulnerability Assessment
A vulnerability assessment focuses on identifying and reporting vulnerabilities without actively exploiting them. This approach might involve scanning for known buffer overflow vulnerabilities using automated tools.
Example tools include Nessus, OpenVAS, and static analysis tools for reviewing codebases for unsafe functions (e.g.,
strcpy,getsin C).
3. Static or Dynamic Code Analysis
In secure software development practices, testing for buffer overflows may also occur during code reviews, static analysis, or dynamic analysis:
Static Analysis: Using tools like SonarQube, Coverity, or Clang Analyzer to detect unsafe code patterns that could lead to buffer overflows.
Dynamic Analysis: Monitoring an application while it runs (e.g., using AddressSanitizer or Valgrind) to detect potential overflow issues.
4. Application Security Testing
Application Security Testing (AST) tools, such as SAST (Static Application Security Testing) or DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing), often test for vulnerabilities like buffer overflows as part of a broader suite of checks.
Summary
Testing for buffer overflows is most commonly associated with penetration testing when performed with the intent to exploit vulnerabilities. However, it may also fall under vulnerability assessment, static/dynamic analysis, or broader application security testing, depending on whether the focus is on detection, prevention, or exploitation.