Executable memory space is protected by receiving, from a process, a request to configure a portion of memory with a memory protection attribute that allows the process to perform at least one memory operation on the portion of the memory. Thereafter, the request is responded to with a grant, configuring the portion of memory with a different memory protection attribute than the requested memory protection attribute. The different memory protection attribute restricting the at least one memory operation from being performed by the process on the portion of the memory. In addition, it is detected when the process attempts, in accordance with the grant, the at least one memory operation at the configured portion of memory. Related systems and articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also disclosed.