What occurs during an integer overflow?

During an integer overflow, a value exceeds its predefined limit. Integer overflow occurs when an arithmetic operation attempts to create a numeric value that is outside the range that can be represented with a given number of bits. For example, if a variable is defined to hold values from 0 to 255 (8 bits), adding 1 to 255 results in an overflow condition, where the value wraps around to 0, effectively exceeding its maximum allowed limit. This phenomenon can lead to vulnerabilities and bugs in software, as it may produce unexpected results or exploit certain behaviors in a program.

In this context, understanding how integer overflow can affect data integrity and security is crucial, making it a significant concern in software development and computer security.