Stack Frames: A Look From Inside

Teaches you exactly how program memory content and organization is vital for computer security, especially Unix-like operating systems. You will learn how it is manipulated to take control of a computer system, as well as the countermeasures that system designers set up to avoid this. Neither a guide for hackers nor an all-out theory book, this book is ideal for anyone studying computer security who wants to learn by doing.

Using a practical approach, you will understand how stack frames relate to hardware and software theory and the various GNU/Linux distributions, before moving on to Base 2, 8 and 16 notations, executables and libraries. Lastly you will go in-depth to understand the intricacies of stack frames. A vital resource for all computer security students and enthusiasts, add Stack Frames: A Look Inside to your library today.

What You Will Learn

•  In-depth knowledge on activation records of functions, and how this information can be used.
• A better understanding on how conventions used by compilers work.
• Clarify some concepts on libraries and their relationship with executable programs.
• Get, or recall, technical skills using compilers, debuggers, and other tools.

Who This Book Is For

The book is suitable for college students with a good knowledge of the C language, who are interested in deepening their study of the content and organization of program memory, namely the activation records of functions, as regards possible implications in computer security. A basic knowledge of both the Assembly language and the UNIX operating system is certainly helpful, as well as some practice with compilers and debuggers; but they are not compulsory.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Hardware and Software
Chapter 2: GNU/Linux Distributions
Chapter 3: Base 2, 8, and 16 Notations
Chapter 4: Executables and Libraries
Chapter 5: Stack Frames