CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-001) — Question 71

Which of the following CPU registers does the penetration tester need to overwrite in order to exploit a simple buffer overflow?

Answer options

• A. Stack pointer register
• B. Index pointer register
• C. Stack base pointer
• D. Destination index register

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The stack pointer register is critical in a buffer overflow exploit because it points to the top of the stack, where the overflow occurs. Modifying this register allows the attacker to control the flow of execution. The other registers listed do not directly influence the stack's integrity in the same way.