ASLR

A memory protection that randomizes process address layout to hinder exploitation.

ASLR is a host hardening technique that randomizes the memory locations of the stack, heap, libraries, and executable base each time a program runs, so attackers cannot reliably predict addresses for exploits. It raises the difficulty of buffer overflow and return-oriented programming attacks that depend on fixed targets. ASLR works best alongside complementary defenses such as data execution prevention; on the exam, group it with memory-protection controls and recognize that information leaks revealing an address can weaken its effectiveness.