← Thursday, October 8, 2026SecurityDeep dive

Wiping secrets can leave extra copies in compiled code

00f.net 7 min read Editor score 8/10

The article shows how adding a zeroization call can result in more secret copies, including a `memset` example that the compiler optimizes away. Engineers handling secrets need to reason about generated code, not just source-level wipes.

What

Zeroization wipes intended to clear secrets can leave additional copies in compiled code.

How

Ordinary memset may be optimized away; volatile stores can zero stack slots even when the secret stayed in registers.

Why it matters

Secure-wipe reviews must inspect generated code: a wipe can add stores yet leave the live secret uncleared.

Read on 00f.net → Lobsters · 9 comments

Headline, summary, brief and diagram are written by a model from the source's own text; the link, byline and numbers come from the source. Read the original before relying on a claim.