The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for detecting stack-pivot attacks in a processor-based device. Processor circuitry executes one or more applications via sequential execution of instructions on a stack. Stack pivot attacks occur when an attacker takes control of the stack and uses the stack to execute a series of code sections referred to as “gadgets.” A stack-pivot attack detector establishes an allowable processor stack offset change value associated with an application and monitors a processor stack offset change value responsive to an occurrence of a processor stack exchange instruction. A stack-pivot attack is detected when the processor offset change value exceeds the allowable processor stack offset change value. Upon detecting a stack-pivot attack, the stack-pivot detection circuitry causes the selective termination of the application.