buffer.hHeader

Definition and implementation of the buffer class within the libantispy namespace for securely managing encrypted data. More...

Detailed Description

The buffer.h file contains the definition and implementation of the buffer class, which extends the functionality of std::vector<char> to handle encrypted data securely. The buffer class provides mechanisms for encoding, decoding, and managing encrypted content, making it a crucial component in applications that require secure handling of sensitive information, such as cryptographic systems, secure communications, and encrypted storage solutions.

The key features of the buffer class include:

  • **Inheritance from std::vector<char> ** :

    • The buffer class inherits from std::vector<char> , providing it with the dynamic array capabilities of a vector, such as automatic memory management, resizing, and element access. This inheritance allows the buffer class to leverage the flexibility and efficiency of std::vector<char> while adding layers of security through encryption and decryption mechanisms.

  • Automatic Data Encryption and Decryption :

    • The buffer class automatically encrypts data upon input and decrypts it when accessed. This ensures that the data remains encrypted while stored, protecting it from unauthorized access. The encryption key and hash are securely managed within the class, providing both data confidentiality and integrity.

  • Support for Various Constructors :

    • The buffer class offers constructors that accept constant buffers ( const_buffer ), strings ( std::string ), and other buffer objects, supporting both copy and move semantics. This flexibility allows the class to be easily integrated into various workflows where data needs to be securely managed.

  • Overloaded Operators :

    • The buffer class overloads several operators to facilitate element access, comparison, and type conversion. These include the [] operator for accessing individual elements, comparison operators ( == , != , < , etc.) for comparing buffers, and a conversion operator to std::string for easy access to decrypted data.

  • Data Integrity and Security :

    • The class employs secure encryption keys and hash values to maintain data integrity and prevent tampering. The destructor ensures that sensitive data is securely erased from memory when the buffer object is destroyed, preventing any residual data from being recovered.

  • Efficient Resource Management :

    • Through the use of move semantics, the buffer class efficiently manages resources, allowing for fast transfers of data without unnecessary copying. This is particularly useful in performance-critical applications where minimizing overhead is essential.

  • Exception Safety :

    • The methods and constructors of the buffer class are designed with exception safety in mind, with many of them marked as noexcept . This ensures that the class can be used in environments where exceptions are either not allowed or need to be minimized for performance reasons.

  • Detailed Logging and Documentation :

    • The buffer.h file is extensively documented, providing clear explanations of the class's behavior, its methods, and the logic behind its implementation. This detailed documentation is intended to assist developers in understanding and effectively using the buffer class in their applications.

Example Usage:

#include <antispy/libantispy.h>

int main() {
   // Create a buffer from a string
   std::string sensitive_data = "TopSecretData";
   libantispy::buffer encrypted_buffer(sensitive_data);

   // Access the decrypted data
   if (!encrypted_buffer.empty()) {
      std::string decrypted_data = encrypted_buffer;
      // Use decrypted_data securely...
   }
}

Security Considerations:

The buffer class is designed to ensure the secure management of encrypted data. It automatically handles encryption and decryption, manages encryption keys securely, and ensures that sensitive data is erased from memory when it is no longer needed. Developers using this class should be mindful of these security features and ensure that the class is used in a manner consistent with best practices for handling sensitive information.