Final answer:
A classic stack overflow involves an attacker overwriting the buffer in the stack frame's local variable area, which can lead to executing arbitrary code or a denial of service.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the classic stack overflow, the attacker overwrites a buffer located in the local variable area of a stack frame and then overwrites the saved frame pointer and return address. The goal of such an attack is typically to inject and execute arbitrary code or to cause a denial of service. A stack overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the stack than what is allocated for the buffer. This can inadvertently overwrite adjacent memory, which may include control information such as the return address. By carefully crafting input data, an attacker might manipulate the return address to point to their malicious code, thereby taking control of the program's execution flow.