Book Image

Learning Linux Binary Analysis

By : "elfmaster" O'Neill
5 (1)
Book Image

Learning Linux Binary Analysis

5 (1)
By: "elfmaster" O'Neill

Overview of this book

Learning Linux Binary Analysis is packed with knowledge and code that will teach you the inner workings of the ELF format, and the methods used by hackers and security analysts for virus analysis, binary patching, software protection and more. This book will start by taking you through UNIX/Linux object utilities, and will move on to teaching you all about the ELF specimen. You will learn about process tracing, and will explore the different types of Linux and UNIX viruses, and how you can make use of ELF Virus Technology to deal with them. The latter half of the book discusses the usage of Kprobe instrumentation for kernel hacking, code patching, and debugging. You will discover how to detect and disinfect kernel-mode rootkits, and move on to analyze static code. Finally, you will be walked through complex userspace memory infection analysis. This book will lead you into territory that is uncharted even by some experts; right into the world of the computer hacker.
Table of Contents (11 chapters)
10
Index

Chapter 1. The Linux Environment and Its Tools

In this chapter, we will be focusing on the Linux environment as it pertains to our focus throughout this book. Since this book is focused about Linux binary analysis, it makes sense to utilize the native environment tools that come with Linux and to which everyone has access. Linux comes with the ubiquitous binutils already installed, but they can be found at http://www.gnu.org/software/binutils/. They contain a huge selection of tools that are handy for binary analysis and hacking. This is not another book on using IDA Pro. IDA is hands-down the best universal software for reverse engineering of binaries, and I would encourage its use as needed, but we will not be using it in this book. Instead, you will acquire the skills to hop onto virtually any Linux system and have an idea on how to begin hacking binaries with an environment that is already accessible. You can therefore learn to appreciate the beauty of Linux as a true hackers' environment for which there are many free tools available. Throughout the book, we will demonstrate the use of various tools and give a recap on how to use them as we progress through each chapter. Meanwhile, however, let this chapter serve as a primer or reference to these tools and tips within the Linux environment. If you are already very familiar with the Linux environment and its tools for disassembling, debugging, and parsing of ELF files, then you may simply skip this chapter.