overrun screw n. [C programming] A variety of fandango on core
produced by scribbling past the end of an array (C implementations
typically have no checks for this error). This is relatively benign and
easy to spot if the array is static; if it is auto, the result may be to
smash the stack -- often resulting in heisenbugs of the most
diabolical subtlety. The term `overrun screw' is used esp. of scribbles
beyond the end of arrays allocated with `malloc(3)'; this typically
trashes the allocation header for the next block in the arena,
producing massive lossage within malloc and often a core dump on the
next operation to use `stdio(3)' or `malloc(3)' itself. See spam,
overrun; see also memory leak, memory smash, aliasing bug,
precedence lossage, fandango on core, secondary damage.
= P =
Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)
overrun screw
A variety of fandango on core produced by a C program
scribbling past the end of an array (C implementations
typically have no checks for this error). This is relatively
benign and easy to spot if the array is static; if it is
auto, the result may be to smash the stack - often
resulting in heisenbugs of the most diabolical subtlety.
The term "overrun screw" is used especially of scribbles
beyond the end of arrays allocated with malloc; this
typically overwrites the allocation header for the next block
in the arena, producing massive lossage within malloc and
often a core dump on the next operation to use stdio or
malloc itself.
See spam, overrun; see also memory leak, memory smash,
aliasing bug, precedence lossage, fandango on core,
secondary damage.
(1995-01-19)
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