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Home / Glossary / SEH
Glossary · Security

SEH

Structured Exception Handler

In plain language

A Windows system for dealing with errors in programs, which attackers have abused to run their own code.

The metaphor

Like a building's emergency procedure that an intruder tricks into sending staff the wrong way.

Going deeper

How it works

  • When a program crashes, Windows runs a handler.
  • Attackers can overwrite the handler's address.
  • Newer protections make this much harder.
  • It matters mostly to security researchers.
In practice
  • A researcher explains an old attack.
  • A patch notes mention it.
  • A security course covers it.

A question owners ask

Is it a risk today?

Modern Windows has protections. Keeping systems updated is the answer.

Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingAccount takeoverACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAISAutomated Indicator SharingAPTAdvanced Persistent Threat

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