art of vector lab

Mastering Binary Reverse Engineering Techniques Core Analysis Methodology Effective binary examination requires structured approach: ELF header verification Section header analysis Dynamic linking inspection Essential Tools readelf - Header/section analysis GDB - Runtime debugging objdump - Disassembly Practical Debugging Strategies Key GDB commands for effective analysis: break *main info registers x/10i $pc Optimized Workflow Tips Automate analysis with Python scripting Leverage GDB documentation Compare with PE format analysis FAQs How long does basic binary analysis take? Initial assessment typically requires 2-3 hours for standard executables Best entry point for beginners? Start with CTF challenges and small ELF binaries ...

🧠 How Computers Remember: Data Storage Made Simple Computer Memory Types Think of computer memory like different rooms in a house: 📚 Stack: Neat bookshelf (last-in, first-out) 🧸 Heap: Toy box (items anywhere, needs cleanup) 📦 Data Sections: Labeled storage boxes 📚 The Stack (Bookshelf Memory) Top of Shelf ┌────────────┐ ← Newest book │ Function │ │ Call #3 │ ├────────────┤ │ Function │ │ Call #2 │ ├────────────┤ │ Function │ │ Call #1 │ ← Oldest book └────────────┘ Add/remove from top only! Uses push and pop commands. 🧸 The Heap (Toy Box Memory) 🔍 Find space for big toys (malloc) 🚮 Clean up after playtime (free) ⚠️ Danger: Forget cleanup → messy room! (memory leaks) ...

How Programs Work: Functions & Memory Explained How Programs Work: Functions & Memory Explained What's a Function? Think of functions like Lego blocks: Each block has a special job (add numbers, check passwords) Blocks snap together to make bigger programs You can examine one block without breaking others 🔄 Function Life Cycle Start: "Hey computer, run this block!" Work: Does its special job Finish: "I'm done, here's your result!" 📚 The Memory Stack Like stacking lunch boxes: ┌────────────┐ │ Current │ ← Top │ Function │ ├────────────┤ │ Previous │ │ Function │ └────────────┘ Last Added → First Removed (LIFO) 🔍 Reverse Engineering Tips L...

How Computer Programs Run on Linux What's a Computer Program? Think of a program like a recipe. When you "run" it, the computer follows the instructions step by step. On Linux, we call this running recipe a process . Real Life Examples Web browser (like Firefox) Game (like Minecraft) Text editor (like Notepad) The Life of a Program 📥 Loading: Computer copies the program from storage to memory 🏃 Running: Computer follows the program's instructions 🛑 Stopping: Program finishes or gets canceled Program Settings (Environment Variables) These are like special notes the program reads before starting: LANG=en_US - Sets language to English HOME=/users/bob - Shows where your files are stored How Programs Talk to the Computer Programs use special request...