# Use After Free

**Example 1: C**

**Vulnerable Code:**

```c
cCopy codechar *ptr = malloc(10);
free(ptr);
strcpy(ptr, "data");
```

**Reason for vulnerability:** Using memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior.

**Fixed Code:**

```c
cCopy codechar *ptr = malloc(10);
strcpy(ptr, "data");
free(ptr);
ptr = NULL;
```

**Reason for fix:** Set the pointer to `NULL` after freeing it to prevent use after free.

**Example 2: C++**

**Vulnerable Code:**

```cpp
cppCopy codeint *ptr = new int[10];
delete[] ptr;
ptr[0] = 1;
```

**Reason for vulnerability:** Using memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior.

**Fixed Code:**

```cpp
cppCopy codeint *ptr = new int[10];
delete[] ptr;
ptr = nullptr;
```

**Reason for fix:** Set the pointer to `nullptr` after deleting it to prevent use after free.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://playbook.sidthoviti.com/devsecops/secure-coding/code-review-examples/use-after-free.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
