What is Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and how does it defend against memory-based attacks? Learn how ASLR randomizes memory locations to prevent buffer overflow exploits—essential for CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam success.
Table of Contents
Question
A security engineer implements randomized memory addressing to make it harder for attackers to predict where code is loaded. Which security measure is this?
A. ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization)
B. DEP (Data Execution Prevention)
C. Sandboxing
D. Code obfuscation
E. HIDS
Answer
A. ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization)
Explanation
ASLR randomizes memory locations, making buffer overflow exploits harder since attackers cannot reliably predict memory addresses.
The security measure described—randomizing memory addressing to make it harder for attackers to predict where code is loaded—is ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization).
ASLR is a security technique used by modern operating systems to protect against memory corruption vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflow attacks.
It works by randomly arranging the address space positions of key data areas of a process, including the base of the executable, stack, heap, and libraries, each time a program is run.
This unpredictability makes it extremely difficult for attackers to guess the location of specific functions or injected code, which is necessary for successful exploitation of many memory-based attacks.
With ASLR enabled, even if an attacker discovers a vulnerability, they cannot reliably exploit it without knowing the randomized memory layout.
ASLR is widely implemented in operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS, and is a foundational defense against exploits that rely on fixed memory addresses.
While not foolproof—advanced attackers may use information leaks or brute force to bypass it—ASLR significantly raises the bar for successful exploitation.
ASLR randomizes memory locations for process components, making it much harder for attackers to predict addresses and exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows.
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