What is the purpose of Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)?

Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is a security technique used to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflow attacks. By randomizing the memory addresses where executable files and libraries are loaded, ASLR makes it significantly more difficult for an attacker to predict the location of specific functions or data within a program's memory space. This unpredictability is critical because many exploits rely on knowing the specific address of code that an attacker wants to execute.

For instance, in a traditional scenario without ASLR, if an attacker could exploit a buffer overflow vulnerability, they might be able to overwrite a return address on the stack with the address of shellcode—malicious code that the attacker wants to execute. However, with ASLR enabled, this address changes each time the program is run, which greatly diminishes the chances of a successful attack.

The other options do not align with the purpose of ASLR. Managing network traffic pertains to network traffic control mechanisms, encrypting data during transmission relates to protecting data in transit through cryptographic methods, and simplifying software debugging addresses reducing complexity for developers, but none of these functions are connected to the role of ASLR in enhancing memory security.