An In-Depth Analysis of Common Software Vulnerabilities and their Solutions

C. van Dyke

M.S. Thesis, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University, May 6, 2004.

Abstract

With the current security climate throughout the Internet, a large emphasis is being placed on protecting software systems from attack by a malicious entity. Most successful attacks against software are the result of lazy or misinformed developers and are easily prevented given the correct preparation and instruction. This document provides an in-depth introduction to the general methods and used by malicious parties to exploit existing software systems, and is intended be used as a guide for parties interested in preventing attacks against their software in the future.