Multiple choice technology security

Buffer overflows are most dangerous when they occur in programs

  1. Run by the administrator

  2. Run by normal user

  3. Run by the attacker

  4. Run by the remote user

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Buffer overflows in programs running with administrator/root privileges are most dangerous because they can lead to complete system compromise. When an administrator-level process is exploited, the attacker gains the same high privileges as that process, allowing full control over the system. Overflowing a normal user program limits the attacker's scope, and programs 'run by the attacker' or 'run by the remote user' are nonsensical distractors in this context.