Storage violation

A Storage violation is an attempt at, or successful alteration ("or corruption") of computer memory that is intended to have the special status of "protected" (that is - not alterable - at least in the current mode of operation).

It normally applies to selected memory locations having special significance to the operating system or "owned" by a particular thread.

In some instances, it is necessary to switch into privileged mode to enable storage alteration to be successful. This is normally achieved by a special instruction which itself might be privileged.

This right or "privilege" may only be authorised for some users or software or systems on a higher level of operation such as the Operating System itself.