AFL (American Fuzzy Lop) is a mutation-based fuzzing tool designed for automated security testing of software applications. It helps identify vulnerabilities like buffer overflows, memory corruption, and crashes in compiled programs.
🔹 Key Features:
- Uses genetic algorithms to generate inputs that maximize code coverage.
- Supports instrumentation to analyze execution paths and detect vulnerabilities.
- Works with binary executables, making it useful for native applications.
🔹 Use Case Example:
- Fuzzing a PDF reader to find crash vulnerabilities by modifying existing PDF files.
🔹 Limitations:
- Requires source code access for instrumentation (though a binary mode exists).
- Not ideal for network protocol fuzzing.