Buffer Overflow
A buffer overflow is a type of computer security vulnerability. When you use a computer to run a program, the computer stores the program data in an area of memory called a buffer. If the data being stored is too big for the buffer, it can overflow, which means it spills over into nearby areas of memory. These nearby areas may contain other important information, like passwords or other sensitive data, and the overflow can cause errors or even security breaches.
To think of it simply, imagine a jar that can hold 10 marbles. If you try to put 15 marbles into the jar, some will spill out and roll onto the floor. In computer terms, if a program tries to store more data than the buffer can hold, some of that data will spill out into other areas of memory.
Buffer overflows can be prevented by properly coding and checking the size of data being saved into buffers. They can also be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, which is why it is important to be aware of this vulnerability and to take steps to prevent it.