Format string attack

Okay kiddo, let's talk about format string attacks! So, imagine you have a magic code that can turn any words you give it into a special message. We call this magic code a "format string". Normally, you use it to make messages like "Hello there!" or "I like bananas!" But, if someone knows how to use the magic code in a sneaky way, they can make it do bad things.

Here's an example: let's say someone is using a computer program that asks them for their name. They type in their name like normal, but instead of just typing in their name, they type in a special message with the magic code that says "Do something bad to this computer!" When the program tries to turn their name into a message, it accidentally follows the sneaky message too and does something bad, like crashing the program or even giving the attacker control of the computer.

That's what we call a format string attack. It's like giving someone a magic code that does something bad instead of something nice. So, it's important to be careful when using format strings and only use them in the right way!