HomeCoursesFoundations of Linux ARM64: Debug, Disassemble, and Reverse

4.7

Intermediate

12h

Foundations of Linux ARM64: Debug, Disassemble, and Reverse

Gain insights into debugging C/C++ programs on Linux ARM64, delve into program disassembly, probe memory/register changes using GDB, and discover techniques for core dump analysis and assembly-level debugging.

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Overview

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The 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. You’ll use the Linux ARM64 which is a popular RISC architecture. You’ll use simple operations in C/C++ such as assignment, increment, addition, multiplication. With the help of the GDB, you will probe into the contents of the registers and memory. You'll learn how they are changed while executing basic operations. With the help of the disassembly output, you’ll learn how a simple C/C++ program can be reconstructed. The disassembly output is important for debugging and core dump analysis. 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.

The GNU Debugger (GDB) is used for debugging C/C++ programs in LINUX/UNIX environments. It is a good tool to investigate what is...Show More

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Familiarity with disassembly in the GDB environment of simple C/C++ programs

An understanding of how to debug programs with a cross-sectional view to the contents of registers, stack, and memory

Ability to use GDB as a dump analysis tool

Hands-on experience to reconstruct simple C/C++ programs from the disassembly output

A deeper understanding of the basic assembly language programming skills

Familiarity with disassembly in the GDB environment of simple C/C++ programs

Content

44 Lessons5 Quizzes1 Assessment

Introduction to the Course

1 Lessons

Get familiar with Linux ARM64 debugging, disassembly, and reverse engineering tools.

Course Overview

Memory, Registers, and Simple Arithmetic

5 Lessons

Unpack the core of memory and registers, arithmetic operations, and their implementation in ARM64.

Comparison Between Memory and Registers

Assigning Numbers to Memory Locations and Registers

Adding Numbers to Memory Cells

Incrementing and Decrementing Numbers

Multiplying Numbers

Code Optimization

3 Lessons

Go hands-on with GDB disassembly for both non-optimized and optimized C/C++ code.

GDB Disassembly Output – No Optimization

GDB Disassembly Output – Optimization

Quiz on Memory, Register, Simple Arithmetic and Code Optimization

Number Representations

2 Lessons

Grasp the fundamentals of number systems, including decimal, binary, ternary, and hexadecimal.

Number System

Hexadecimal Number Representations

Pointers

6 Lessons

Solve problems in Linux ARM64 debugging with advanced pointer operations and arithmetic.

Introduction to Pointers

Assigning Numbers to Memory Using Pointers

Adding Numbers Using Pointers

Incrementing Numbers Using Pointers

Multiplying Numbers Using Pointers

Quiz on Number Representations and Pointers

Bytes, Half Words, Words, and Double Words

2 Lessons

Investigate ARM64 memory management, organization, and the relationship between bytes, words, and memory addresses.

Granularity

Memory Layout

Pointers to Memory

3 Lessons

Practice using pointers for memory management, addressing types, and debugging techniques in Linux ARM64.

Declaring Pointers for Different Addressing Types

Pointers Essentials

Memory Pointers Example: Memory Layout

Logical Instructions and PC

4 Lessons

Get familiar with logical operations, zeroing methods, and the instruction pointer in ARM64.

Logical Instructions

Zeroing Memory or Registers

Instruction Pointer

Quiz on Granularity, Pointer to Memory, and Logical Instructions

Reconstructing a Program with Pointers

3 Lessons

Unpack the core of program reconstruction using disassembly output and optimization techniques.

Disassembly Output Without Optimization

Reconstructing the C/C++ Code

Disassembly Output in the Code Optimization Mode

10.

Memory and Stacks

3 Lessons

Break apart stack operations, memory roles, and GDB exploration in ARM64 Linux.

Introduction to the Stack

Stack in Memory and Registers

Exploring the Stack in the GDB

11.

Frame Pointer and Local Variables

4 Lessons

Enhance your skills in stack management, function prolog/epilog, and local variable debugging on ARM64.

Stacks in Frame Pointers and Local Variables

Functions in Frame Pointers and Local Variables

Local Variables

Quiz on Memory, Stack, Frame Pointer, and Local Variables

12.

Function Parameters

2 Lessons

Take a closer look at ARM64 function parameters, stack usage, and debugging with GDB.

Function Parameters and Stack

A Disassembly Example with Function and Stack

13.

More Instructions

2 Lessons

Simplify complex topics like PSTATE flags, conditional jumps, TST and CMP instructions.

Instructions-I

Instructions-II

14.

Function Pointer Parameters

2 Lessons

Practice using GDB to explore function parameter implementation and arithmetic examples.

Implementation of Function Parameters and Arithmetic Example

Quiz on Function Parameters and Function Pointer Parameters

15.

Conclusion

2 Lessons

Get familiar with ARM64 function prologs, epilogs, parameter passing, and practical disassembly.

Summary of Code

Final Remarks

ARM64 Linux Debugging, Disassembling, Reversing Exam

Assessment

Certificate of Completion

Showcase your accomplishment by sharing your certificate of completion.

Course Author:

Dmitry Vostokov

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