Query on Stack Protection Status

in process explorer the Stack Protection refers to the Hardware-Enforced Stack Protection feature. It requires both the application enable and the feature be enabled in the os.

feature:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/kernel-mode-hardware-stack-protection

code support:

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windowsosplatform/developer-guidance-for-hardware-enforced-stack-protection/2163340

Thanks for reaching out !

**Stack Protection Disabled in Process Explorer
**

1. Stack Protection is a compile-time security feature that helps detect and prevent stack-based buffer overflows. It is typically enabled using the /GS compiler flag during compilation.
2. If the executable is a .NET managed application, Stack Protection may show as Disabled in Process Explorer. This is expected behavior because managed code uses different memory safety mechanisms.
3. If the executable is a native (unmanaged) application, Stack Protection being disabled could indicate that it was compiled without the /GS flag. This may expose the application to stack-based buffer overflow risks.
4. The presence of DEP, ASLR, and CFG indicates that other runtime protections are active, which significantly reduce exploitability.
5. Security Impact: For managed applications, this is not a concern. For native applications, it is recommended to enable Stack Protection during compilation to enhance security.