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

Kernel hacking goodies


The Linux kernel is a vast topic with regards to forensic analysis and reverse engineering. There are many exciting ways to go about instrumenting the kernel for purposes of hacking, reversing, and debugging, and Linux offers its users many entry points into these areas. I have discussed some files and APIs that are useful throughout this chapter, but I will also give a small, condensed list of things that may be of help in your research.

General reverse engineering and debugging

  • /proc/kcore

  • /proc/kallsyms

  • /boot/System.map

  • /dev/mem (deprecated)

  • /dev/kmem (deprecated)

  • GNU debugger (used with kcore)

Advanced kernel hacking/debugging interfaces

  • Kprobes

  • Ftrace

Papers mentioned in this chapter