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.

Intermediate

44 Lessons

12h

Certificate of Completion

AI-POWERED

Explanations

AI-POWERED

Explanations

This course includes

1 Assessment

16 Playgrounds

5 Quizzes

This course includes

1 Assessment

16 Playgrounds

5 Quizzes

Course Overview

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...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

What You'll Learn

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

Course Content

Introduction to the Course

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

Course Overview

Memory, Registers, and Simple Arithmetic

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

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

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

Number System Hexadecimal Number Representations

Pointers

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.

Pointers to Memory

3 Lessons

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

Logical Instructions and PC

4 Lessons

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

Reconstructing a Program with Pointers

3 Lessons

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

10.

Memory and Stacks

3 Lessons

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

11.

Frame Pointer and Local Variables

4 Lessons

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

12.

Function Parameters

2 Lessons

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

13.

More Instructions

2 Lessons

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

14.

Function Pointer Parameters

2 Lessons

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

15.

Conclusion

2 Lessons

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

ARM64 Linux Debugging, Disassembling, Reversing Exam

Assessment

Course Author

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