Chapter 1. The Linux Environment and Its Tools

In this chapter, we will be focusing on the Linux environment as it pertains to our focus throughout this book. Since this book is focused about Linux binary analysis, it makes sense to utilize the native environment tools that come with Linux and to which everyone has access. Linux comes with the ubiquitous binutils already installed, but they can be found at http://www.gnu.org/software/binutils/. They contain a huge selection of tools that are handy for binary analysis and hacking. This is not another book on using IDA Pro. IDA is hands-down the best universal software for reverse engineering of binaries, and I would encourage its use as needed, but we will not be using it in this book. Instead, you will acquire the skills to hop onto virtually any Linux system and have an idea on how to begin hacking binaries with an environment that is already accessible. You can therefore learn to appreciate the beauty of Linux as a true hackers' environment for which there are many free tools available. Throughout the book, we will demonstrate the use of various tools and give a recap on how to use them as we progress through each chapter. Meanwhile, however, let this chapter serve as a primer or reference to these tools and tips within the Linux environment. If you are already very familiar with the Linux environment and its tools for disassembling, debugging, and parsing of ELF files, then you may simply skip this chapter.