The good, the bad, and the weird (2018)
Trail of Bits delves into "weird machines" in software exploitation, complex code snippets evading security measures. Techniques like Hoare triples and dynamic_casts aid in identifying and preventing exploitation, crucial in evolving security landscapes.
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Trail of Bits discusses the concept of "weird machines" in software exploitation, which are snippets of code that can bypass exploit mitigations by causing unintended state changes. These machines are a challenge to identify due to the complexity of modern software. By using techniques like Hoare triples and dynamic_casts, developers can tighten program contracts to prevent exploitation. The evolution of exploit mitigations, such as non-executable data and Address Space Layout Randomization, has made identifying weird machines more crucial. Automating the detection of these machines can help improve program security and potentially prove vulnerabilities as unexploitable. While the terminology and tools for identifying weird machines are still developing, further research in this area is essential for enhancing software security in the future.
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