A Novel Approach to Online Retargetable Machine-Code Decompilation

Authors

  • Lukáš Durfina
  • Jakub Kˇ roustek
  • Peter Matula
  • Petr Zemek

Keywords:

reverse engineering, decompilation, retargetable decompiler, raw machine code, code snippets, web service, Lissom

Abstract

Machine-code decompilation, belonging to the area of reverse engineering, has found its applications in many realworld areas. Analysis of malicious software, search for vulnerabilities, and source-code recovery are some of the most important uses. As there exists a diversity of different platforms on which software can be run, an existence of a generic decompiler would be highly appreciated. This paper presents an extended version of our retargetable decompiler that also allows decompilation of raw binary code, such as firmware or code snippets. More specifically, in the present paper, we provide a description of a retargetable decompiler that is being developed within the Lissom project. First, we give an introduction into the area of machine-code decompilation, including a brief discussion of existing tools. Then, we describe the concept and architecture of the decompiler. As it is available in the form of a web service, we also provide its description. Finally, we summarise our results, present a case study of using the tool for analysing malicious software, and conclude the paper by several remarks on future research.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2014-07-01

How to Cite

Lukáš Durfina, Jakub Kˇ roustek, Peter Matula, & Petr Zemek. (2014). A Novel Approach to Online Retargetable Machine-Code Decompilation. Journal of Network and Innovative Computing, 2, 9. Retrieved from https://cspub-jnic.org/index.php/jnic/article/view/73

Issue

Vol. 2 (2014)

Section

Original Article

License

You are free to:

  1. Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
  2. Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
  3. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

Under the following terms:

  1. Attribution — You must give appropriate credit , provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made . You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
  2. No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.

Notices:

You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation .

No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.