Description: Guard pages are special areas in a computer’s memory that are used to detect and prevent buffer overflows. These pages act as a protection mechanism, creating a space between the memory allocated to a process and the unallocated memory. When a program attempts to access a memory address that has not been assigned to it, the operating system can detect this attempt and take action, such as terminating the process or generating an exception. This approach is crucial for the stability and security of computer systems, as buffer overflows are one of the most common vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious code or corrupt data. Guard pages not only help prevent programming errors but also contribute to the overall integrity of the system by ensuring that processes do not unintentionally interfere with each other. In summary, guard pages are an essential tool in memory management that enhances the security and robustness of modern computing environments.
