Binary Analysis
strings / xxd / hexdump
Basic binary inspection utilities every analyst uses daily.
Authorized testing only. Practice on systems you own, isolated labs, or targets with written permission. Unauthorized access is illegal.
When
First look at unknown files for secrets, URLs, and headers.
How
strings -n 8; xxd | head; identify magic bytes.
Why
Simple tools catch easy wins before heavy RE.
Commands & usage
strings -n 8 binary | less
xxd binary | head
file binary
Commands are educational examples. Adapt hosts, paths, and rates to your authorized scope.
Tags
Related in Binary Analysis
GDB + pwndbg / GEF / peda
Debugger with exploit-dev UX enhancements for binary exploitation.
pwntools
CTF framework and exploit development library for Python.
checksec
Checks binary security features (NX, PIE, Canary, RelRO).
Binwalk
Firmware analysis tool for embedded images and file carving.
ROPgadget / ropper
Find ROP gadgets in binaries for exploit development.