4.8
Intermediate
16h
Debugging, Disassembly & Reversing in Linux for x64 Architecture
Gain insights into using GDB for debugging in Linux. Explore disassembly, memory investigation, and register updates. Learn about pointers, stack, and function parameters in x64 architecture.
GNU Debugger (GDB) is used for debugging C/C++ programs in LINUX/UNIX environments. It is a good tool to investigate what is happening inside a program, and how the contents inside the memory are changed with the execution of the program.
The main focus of the course is the disassembly of the program, where we'll use simple operations in C. With the help of GDB, we'll examine the contents of the registers and memory. We'll also learn how they are changed while executing basic operations. We’ll then explore the use of pointers, stack, and function parameters, and analyze how different registers update their values. With the help of disassembly output, we’ll learn how a simple C program can be reconstructed. The disassembly output is important for debugging and core dump analysis. We’ll use assembly language for x64 architecture.
By the end of this course, you should be able to debug the programs and memory contents at assembly level when a program executes or probe into the problem when a program crashes.
GNU Debugger (GDB) is used for debugging C/C++ programs in LINUX/UNIX environments. It is a good tool to investigate what is hap...Show More
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
A familiarity with disassembly in GDB environment of simple C/C++ programs
A good understanding of how to debug programs with a cross-sectional view to the contents of registers, stack and memory
The ability to use GDB as a dump analysis tool
Hands-on experience with C/C++ programs from the disassembly output
A familiarity with disassembly in GDB environment of simple C/C++ programs
Show more
Content
1.
Introduction to the Course
1 Lessons
Get familiar with GDB for debugging, disassembly, and program reconstruction in Linux.
2.
Memory, Registers, and Simple Arithmetic
5 Lessons
Grasp the fundamentals of memory, registers, arithmetic operations, and their representations in assembly language.
3.
Code Optimization
3 Lessons
Go hands-on with debugging and optimizing code using GDB to enhance performance.
4.
Number Representations
2 Lessons
Grasp the fundamentals of number systems, including decimal, ternary, binary, and hexadecimal.
5.
Pointers
6 Lessons
Solve problems in using pointers for memory manipulation, arithmetic, incrementation, and multiplication in programming.
6.
Bytes, Words, Double, and Quad Words
2 Lessons
Investigate memory granularity and layout in x64 Linux, focusing on bytes to quadwords.
7.
Pointers to Memory
3 Lessons
Practice using pointers, their types, initialization, and debugging in memory management.
8.
Logical Instructions and RIP
4 Lessons
Step through logical instructions, zeroing techniques, and the role of the Instruction Pointer.
9.
Reconstructing a Program with Pointers
3 Lessons
Unpack the core of disassembling, reconstructing, and optimizing C/C++ code with pointers.
10.
Memory and Stacks
3 Lessons
Go hands-on with stacks in memory, function calls, and GDB debugging techniques.
11.
Frame Pointer and Local Variables
4 Lessons
Break down the steps to understand stack functionality, function prolog/epilog, and local variables.
12.
Function Parameters
2 Lessons
Solve problems in function parameter passing and stack memory analysis in x64 Linux systems.
13.
More Instructions
2 Lessons
Simplify complex topics of CPU flags, conditional jumps, and assembly instructions.
14.
Function Pointer Parameters
2 Lessons
Practice using function pointers in projects, dissembling with GDB, and enhancing debugging skills.
15.
Summary of Code Disassembly Patterns
1 Lessons
Break down key concepts in debugging, disassembly, and reversing for x64 Linux.
Certificate of Completion
Showcase your accomplishment by sharing your certificate of completion.
Course Author:
Developed by MAANG Engineers
Trusted by 2.8 million developers working at companies
"These are high-quality courses. Trust me. I own around 10 and the price is worth it for the content quality. EducativeInc came at the right time in my career. I'm understanding topics better than with any book or online video tutorial I've done. Truly made for developers. Thanks"
Anthony Walker
@_webarchitect_
"Just finished my first full #ML course: Machine learning for Software Engineers from Educative, Inc. ... Highly recommend!"
Evan Dunbar
ML Engineer
"You guys are the gold standard of crash-courses... Narrow enough that it doesn't need years of study or a full blown book to get the gist, but broad enough that an afternoon of Googling doesn't cut it."
Software Developer
Carlos Matias La Borde
"I spend my days and nights on Educative. It is indispensable. It is such a unique and reader-friendly site"
Souvik Kundu
Front-end Developer
"Your courses are simply awesome, the depth they go into and the breadth of coverage is so good that I don't have to refer to 10 different websites looking for interview topics and content."
Vinay Krishnaiah
Software Developer
Hands-on Learning Powered by AI
See how Educative uses AI to make your learning more immersive than ever before.
AI Prompt
Code Feedback
Explain with AI
AI Code Mentor
Free Resources
