Binary Analysis Cookbook

Explore open-source Linux tools and advanced binary analysis techniques to analyze malware, identify vulnerabilities in code, and mitigate information security risks

Binary analysis is the process of examining a binary program to determine information security actions. It is a complex, constantly evolving, and challenging topic that crosses over into several domains of information technology and security.

This binary analysis book is designed to help you get started with the basics, before gradually advancing to challenging topics. Using a recipe-based approach, this book guides you through building a lab of virtual machines and installing tools to analyze binaries effectively. You'll begin by learning about the IA32 and ELF32 as well as IA64 and ELF64 specifications. The book will then guide you in developing a methodology and exploring a variety of tools for Linux binary analysis. As you advance, you'll learn how to analyze malicious 32-bit and 64-bit binaries and identify vulnerabilities. You'll even examine obfuscation and anti-analysis techniques, analyze polymorphed malicious binaries, and get a high-level overview of dynamic taint analysis and binary instrumentation concepts.

By the end of the book, you'll have gained comprehensive insights into binary analysis concepts and have developed the foundational skills to confidently delve into the realm of binary analysis.

This book is for anyone looking to learn how to dissect ELF binaries using open-source tools available in Linux. If you’re a Linux system administrator or information security professional, you’ll find this guide useful. Basic knowledge of Linux, familiarity with virtualization technologies and the working of network sockets, and experience in basic Python or Bash scripting will assist you with understanding the concepts in this book