Native code is software compiled to run directly on a device’s processor, usually written in languages such as C or C++. Because it manages memory manually, it can contain bugs like buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, and integer errors that may lead to crashes, data leaks, or remote code execution.
In cyber security, native code matters because it appears in parsers, file handlers, browsers, protocol libraries, and other performance-critical components that process untrusted input. Attackers often target these components to turn a small memory-safety flaw into a reliable exploit. Defenders focus on fuzzing, code review, sanitizers, and safer coding practices to find and fix these weaknesses before they become an entry point.