The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

memory smash
 n.

    [XEROX PARC] Writing through a pointer that doesn't point to what you think
    it does. This occasionally reduces your memory to a rubble of bits. Note
    that this is subtly different from (and more general than) related terms
    such as a memory leak or fandango on core because it doesn't imply an
    allocation error or overrun condition.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

memory smash

    A Xerox PARC term for writing to the location
   addressed by a dangling pointer.

   [Jargon File]

   (1994-11-02)