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Learning Linux Binary Analysis

You're reading from   Learning Linux Binary Analysis Learning Linux Binary Analysis

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Product type Paperback
Published in Feb 2016
Publisher Packt
ISBN-13 9781782167105
Length 282 pages
Edition 1st Edition
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Author (1):
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Ryan "elfmaster" O'Neill Ryan "elfmaster" O'Neill
Author Profile Icon Ryan "elfmaster" O'Neill
Ryan "elfmaster" O'Neill
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Table of Contents (11) Chapters Close

Preface 1. The Linux Environment and Its Tools FREE CHAPTER 2. The ELF Binary Format 3. Linux Process Tracing 4. ELF Virus Technology – Linux/Unix Viruses 5. Linux Binary Protection 6. ELF Binary Forensics in Linux 7. Process Memory Forensics 8. ECFS – Extended Core File Snapshot Technology 9. Linux /proc/kcore Analysis Index

The science of detecting entry point modification

When a binary is modified in some way, it is generally for the purpose of adding code to the binary and then redirecting execution flow to that code. The redirection of execution flow can happen in many places within the binary. In this particular case, we are going to examine a very common technique used when patching binaries, especially for viruses. This technique is to simply modify the entry point, which is the e_entry member of the ELF file header.

The goal is here to determine whether or not e_entry is holding an address that points to a location that signifies an abnormal modification to the binary.

Note

Abnormal means any modification that wasn't created by the linker itself /usr/bin/ld whose job it is to link ELF objects together. The linker will create a binary that represents normalcy, whereas an unnatural modification often appears suspicious to the trained eye.

The quickest route to being able to detect anomalies is to first...

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