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 {heisenbug}s 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}.
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)