The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):
smash the stack
n.
[C programming] To corrupt the execution stack by writing past the end of a
local array or other data structure. Code that smashes the stack can cause
a return from the routine to jump to a random address, resulting in some of
the most insidious data-dependent bugs known to mankind. Variants include
trash the stack, scribble the stack, mangle the stack; the term **mung
the stack is not used, as this is never done intentionally. See spam;
see also aliasing bug, fandango on core, memory leak, memory smash,
precedence lossage, overrun screw.
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
smash the stack
In C programming, to corrupt the execution stack by
writing past the end of a local array or other data structure.
Code that smashes the stack can cause a return from the
routine to jump to a random address, resulting in insidious
data-dependent bugs.
Variants include "trash" the stack, scribble the stack,
mangle the stack.
See spam; see also aliasing bug, fandango on core,
memory leak, memory smash, precedence lossage, overrun
screw.
[Jargon File]
(1995-03-16)