# printf Format Security by Bryce Dixon tags: scope, control_flow, bugs ## Summary > printf is a standard C function that's a great way to easily print data to the console using format specifiers. That being said, it's common knowledge that you should NEVER give a user the ability to directly set the first parameter of a function that can take format specifiers. > To pass this challenge, you need to find out why users shouldn't be given full co ## Instructions `printf` is a standard C function that's a great way to easily print data to the console using format specifiers. That being said, it's common knowledge that you should **NEVER** give a user the ability to directly set the first parameter of a function that can take format specifiers. To pass this challenge, you need to find out *why* users shouldn't be given full control of `printf`. A vulnerable function will take a string you provide and pass it to `printf` along with a value you need to modify. ### Examples ``` // No examples! The fun is finding the exploit yourself! ``` ### Notes A format specifier is a character set like `%s` or `%f`. Look for one that writes to memory.