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

Notes on /dev/kmem and /dev/mem


In the good old days, hackers were able to modify the kernel using the /dev/kmem device file. This file, which gave programmers a raw portal to the kernel memory, was eventually subject to various security patches and removed from many distributions. However, some distros still have it available to read from, which can be a powerful tool for detecting kernel malware, but it is not necessary as long as /proc/kcore is available. Some of the best work ever written on patching the Linux kernel was conceived by Silvio Cesare, which can be seen in his early writings from 1998 and can be found on vxheaven or on this link: