Explore key differences between stack and heap memory allocation within the context of API security testing. This quiz highlights crucial concepts that help identify and prevent memory-related vulnerabilities in API environments.
Which memory region typically stores local variables and manages function parameters during API request execution?
Explanation: The stack is responsible for storing local variables, return addresses, and function parameters, especially during nested API calls. The heap is used for dynamic memory allocation, not for automatic storage like local variables. The queue is unrelated to memory storage; it is used for managing tasks or requests. Cache is used for storing frequently accessed data, not for managing call-specific memory.
In security testing of APIs, which memory region is more likely to cause memory leaks if not properly managed when allocating large objects?
Explanation: The heap can cause memory leaks if dynamically allocated memory for large objects is not released appropriately, often due to programming errors. The stack automatically frees memory after function execution, making leaks rare there. Cache is unrelated since it deals with performance, not memory leaks. 'Static' refers to variables that persist for the program's lifetime and typically do not leak in the same way.
During API fuzz testing, which memory region is commonly targeted by attackers exploiting buffer overflows to compromise security?
Explanation: Stack buffer overflows are a common attack vector where attackers overwrite memory on the stack to alter control flow or execute arbitrary code. Heap overflows are also possible but stack overflows are especially prevalent in function calls involving unsafe operations. Registers store temporary data for CPUs and are not directly involved. ROM is read-only memory and cannot be written to during normal program execution.
When handling API sessions that require persistent data across multiple requests, which memory region should be used to ensure the data persists appropriately?
Explanation: The heap allows data to persist beyond the lifespan of a single function call, making it suitable for storing session data needed across API requests. The stack only persists for the duration of a function; data is lost when the function ends. Buffers are merely data containers and do not define duration of persistence. Flash is a non-volatile storage, not suitable for transient runtime data.
In concurrent API security testing, which risk arises if two threads improperly modify the same dynamically allocated memory on the heap?
Explanation: A race condition can occur if two threads access and modify dynamically allocated heap memory without proper synchronization, leading to unpredictable behavior or security issues. Stack overflow relates to exceeding the stack space and is unrelated to concurrency. Deadlock involves threads waiting indefinitely but does not specifically relate to heap memory. Cache miss is a performance, not a safety, problem.