What is an offset?

[A3XN]

I have a very basic question

---> Asking in chatxxx:

Question:
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From a software or programming perspective, what is an offset?

Answer:
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In programming, an offset refers to a number that indicates the distance (or displacement) from a starting point, typically in memory or data structures.

Common Contexts Where "Offset" Appears:
1. Memory Offsets
2. File Offsets
3. Array or Buffer Indexing
4. Data Structure Fields
5. Paging or Virtual Memory

Summary Definition:
An offset is a numerical value that specifies how far (in units like bytes, elements, etc.) a certain location is from a defined base or start point.

* With the above information...

---> My question is:
For a PENTESTER an OFFSET (in a programming code) is an address of a pointer or are several things (depending on the context)?

Thanks for the information

[Enes Simnica · Accepted solution]

@A3XN In pentesting, an offset is the distance (in bytes) from the start of ur input or buffer to the point u want to reach, such as the saved return address or instruction pointer during a buffer overflow. It’s not the actual memory address or pointer itself, but rather the displacement that tells u where in the data the overwrite happens. Depending on context, offsets can also describe positions within structures or memory layouts, but the idea is always the same: a relative position from a base point..........

hope it helps and PEACE!

-Enes

[A3XN]

Thank you

Now I understand the concept better

[Martin L]

 I would start with Google AI to search basic info, then refer to your study materials

Regards, ML
**Have fun labbing!!!***
***Please Rate All Helpful Responses ***

[A3XN]

Thanks for the tip