Computer Security Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a non-executable stack?

  • To allow shellcode execution from the stack
  • To prevent shellcode from being run from the stack (correct)
  • To enable the execution of all software
  • To improve overall system performance

How does Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) decrease an attacker's chance of success?

  • By randomly arranging parts of the process address space (correct)
  • By making memory locations predictable
  • By eliminating the need for process address space
  • By preventing any memory access by attackers

Which of the following statements about ASLR is true?

  • ASLR can make memory usage predictable.
  • ASLR is less effective on systems without libraries.
  • ASLR has been implemented in Unix-based systems to defend against argv[]. (correct)
  • ASLR does not affect the stack layout in any operating system.

What significant effect does a non-executable stack have on existing software?

<p>Software requiring an executable stack will not work. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of attack does ASLR specifically aim to defend against?

<p>Return-to-libc attacks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Non-executable Stack

  • Prevents execution of shellcode by marking the stack as non-executable.
  • Software that requires an executable stack may become incompatible or cease to function properly.

Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)

  • Reduces predictability of memory usage, hindering attackers who rely on known memory locations.
  • Enhances security by randomly rearranging important elements of the process address space:
    • Base of the executable
    • Heap memory
    • Stack memory
    • Libraries used by the program
  • Implemented in BSD (Unix) to protect against vulnerabilities associated with argv[].
  • Used in Windows to defend against return-to-libc attacks, improving system resilience.

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