What is memory safety and why does it matter?
7 hours ago
- #memory-safety
- #security
- #programming-languages
- Memory safety prevents certain types of bugs related to memory usage, enhancing security.
- Memory safe languages include Rust, Go, C#, Java, Swift, Python, and JavaScript; unsafe languages include C, C++, and assembly.
- Common memory safety bugs: out-of-bounds reads/writes and use-after-free vulnerabilities.
- Out-of-bounds reads/writes occur when accessing memory outside valid bounds, leading to security vulnerabilities.
- Use-after-free vulnerabilities happen when accessing memory that has been freed, potentially exposing other data.
- 60-70% of vulnerabilities in iOS/macOS, 70% in Microsoft products, and 90% in Android are memory safety issues.
- Famous exploits like Slammer worm, WannaCry, and HeartBleed were due to memory safety vulnerabilities.
- Unsafe languages impact stability, developer productivity, and performance, especially in multi-threaded environments.
- Adopting memory safe languages is recommended, with options like Rust, Swift, and Go for different use cases.
- Transitioning to memory safe languages requires planning, training, and infrastructure changes but is necessary for security.
- Best practices for unsafe languages include modern C++ idioms, fuzzers, sanitizers, and exploit mitigations, though insufficient.
- Strategies for adoption: start with new projects, integrate new components, or rewrite existing components incrementally.
- Successful examples include ChromeOS's CrosVM and Firefox's CSS engine rewrite in Rust.
- Internal champions, training, and infrastructure support are key to successful language adoption.
- Memory safety is critical for reducing vulnerabilities, improving stability, and enhancing productivity.