Embedded Systems Error Code
Systems & Devices
Embedded Systems
HEAP CORRUPTION | Allocator state corrupted
Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/embedded-systems/error-codes/heap-corruption/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary
The memory allocator detected corrupted heap metadata, often from out-of-bounds writes or invalid frees.
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What This Code Means
Heap corruption indicates allocator metadata has been damaged. In embedded systems this is frequently caused by buffer overruns, use-after-free bugs, or double free conditions. The failure may occur far from the original bug site.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Debug builds with heap checking
- Crash logs that include allocator assertions
Why This Code Appears
- Out-of-bounds writes to a heap buffer
- Use-after-free access
- Invalid or double free
What Typically Happens Next
- Device crashes or resets when allocator detects corruption
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a stable “user action” error
- It is not a power supply warning by itself
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Capture logs around the first allocator assertion
- □ Enable memory sanitization/debug options in development where possible
- □ Review buffer handling and bounds checks
Notes And Edge Cases
In constrained devices, memory bugs can look like random resets; improving logging helps isolate the root cause.
Related Codes
8 links
- DOUBLE FREE CodeMemory freed twice
- USAGEFAULT CodeUsage fault exception
- MALLOC FAILED CodeHeap allocation failed
- OUT OF MEMORY CodeAllocation failure
- ILLEGAL INSTRUCTION CodeInvalid CPU instruction
- I2C BUS ERROR CodeBus communication failure
- MEMMANAGE CodeMemory management fault
- BUSFAULT CodeBus fault exception
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