The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

overrun screw
 n.

    [C programming] A variety of fandango on core produced by scribbling past
    the end of an array (C implementations typically have no checks for this
    error). This is relatively benign and easy to spot if the array is static;
    if it is auto, the result may be to smash the stack ? often resulting in
    heisenbugs of the most diabolical subtlety. The term overrun screw is
    used esp. of scribbles beyond the end of arrays allocated with malloc(3);
    this typically trashes the allocation header for the next block in the 
    arena, producing massive lossage within malloc and often a core dump on
    the next operation to use stdio(3) or malloc(3) itself. See spam, 
    overrun; see also memory leak, memory smash, aliasing bug, 
    precedence lossage, fandango on core, secondary damage.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

overrun screw

   A variety of fandango on core produced by a C program
   scribbling past the end of an array (C implementations
   typically have no checks for this error).  This is relatively
   benign and easy to spot if the array is static; if it is
   auto, the result may be to smash the stack - often
   resulting in heisenbugs of the most diabolical subtlety.
   The term "overrun screw" is used especially of scribbles
   beyond the end of arrays allocated with malloc; this
   typically overwrites the allocation header for the next block
   in the arena, producing massive lossage within malloc and
   often a core dump on the next operation to use stdio or
   malloc itself.

   See spam, overrun; see also memory leak, memory smash,
   aliasing bug, precedence lossage, fandango on core,
   secondary damage.

   (1995-01-19)