Modifications to GCC for increased software privacy

William R. Mahoney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The paper describes methodologies added to the Gnu compiler collection (GCC) in an effort to create an obfuscating compiler. An obfuscating compiler creates programs which, when run, execute with the same results as un-obfuscated code, but which are more difficult to reverse engineer from the binary artefact. This provides increased protection with respect to the privacy of the intellectual property within the software, by thwarting the tools normally used to extract information from the binary executable. Reverse engineering technologies involving analysis of machine instructions are briefly described for background. The three methods of obfuscation implemented in the research are detailed: jump hiding, block shuffling, and junk insertion. Overhead in terms of space and speed are given using standard benchmark software.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)160-176
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Information and Computer Security
Volume7
Issue number2-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Automatic code generation
  • Compilers
  • Intellectual privacy protection
  • Reverse engineering
  • Software obfuscation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Computer Networks and Communications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modifications to GCC for increased software privacy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this