smash the stack

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

<jargon> 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)

The Jargon File

[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.