We present a new approach to individualize programs at the
\nmachine- and byte-code levels. Our superdiversification methodology is
\nbased on the compiler technique of superoptimization, which performs
\na brute-force search over all possible short instruction sequences to find
\nminimum-size implementations of desired functions. Superdiversification
\nalso searches for equivalent code sequences, but we guide the search by
\nrestricting the allowed instructions and operands to control the types of
\ngenerated code. Our goal is not necessarily the shortest or most optimal
\ncode sequence, but an individualized sequence identified by a secret key
\nor other means, as determined by user-specified criteria. Also, our search
\nis not limited to commodity instruction sets, but can work over arbitrary
\nbyte-codes designed for software randomization and protection. Applications
\ninclude patch obfuscation to complicate reverse engineering and
\nexploit creation, as well as binary diversification to frustrate malicious
\ncode tampering. We believe that this approach can serve as a useful
\nelement of a comprehensive software-protection system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We present a new approach to individualize programs at the machine- and byte-code levels. Our superdiversification methodology is based on the compiler technique of superoptimization, which performs a brute-force search over all possible short instruction sequences to find minimum-size implementations of desired functions. Superdiversification also searches for equivalent code sequences, but we guide the search […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"msr-url-field":"","msr-podcast-episode":"","msrModifiedDate":"","msrModifiedDateEnabled":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"msr-content-type":[3],"msr-research-highlight":[],"research-area":[],"msr-publication-type":[193716],"msr-product-type":[],"msr-focus-area":[],"msr-platform":[],"msr-download-source":[],"msr-locale":[268875],"msr-field-of-study":[],"msr-conference":[],"msr-journal":[],"msr-impact-theme":[],"msr-pillar":[],"class_list":["post-155749","msr-research-item","type-msr-research-item","status-publish","hentry","msr-locale-en_us"],"msr_publishername":"Springer Verlag","msr_edition":"3rd International Workshop on Security (IWSEC 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