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

IDA Pro


Since this book tries to focus on the anatomy of the ELF format, and the concepts behind analysis and patching techniques, we are less focused on which of the fancy tools to use. The very famous IDA Pro software has a well-deserved reputation. It is hands down the best disassembler and decompiler available to the public. It is expensive though, and unless you can afford a license, you may have settle for something a little less effective, such as Hopper. IDA Pro is quite complicated and requires an entire book unto itself, but in order to properly understand and use IDA Pro for ELF binaries, it is good to first understand the concepts taught in this book, which can then be applied when using IDA pro to reverse-engineer software.