Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What type of software vulnerability stems from coding mistakes that allow unauthorized access to systems?

1. SQL injection

2. Buffer overflow

3. Access validation

4. Authentication failure

The correct answer is: Buffer overflow

The correct choice highlights buffer overflow as a type of software vulnerability that arises from coding mistakes, specifically when a program writes more data to a block of memory, or buffer, than it was allocated. This flaw can lead to the overwriting of adjacent memory, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to a system. Buffer overflows demonstrate how improper management of memory allocation can lead to significant security vulnerabilities. Options such as SQL injection involve manipulating database queries to gain unauthorized access to data, which is distinct from the coding-level vulnerabilities associated with buffer overflows. Access validation and authentication failure pertain to failures related to user permissions and identity verification, focusing more on the process of verifying user authority rather than on low-level programming errors that exploit memory management. Thus, buffer overflow is particularly relevant to coding mistakes resulting in unauthorized system access.