Decompiling the GPL violated Linux kernel using Evolutionary Algorithms
8 hours ago
- #GPL-violation
- #decompilation
- #evolutionary-algorithms
- The article discusses decompiling a binary Linux kernel into byte-equivalent C code using evolutionary algorithms, specifically Genetic Programming.
- It highlights the issue of GPL violations by companies not releasing Linux kernel source code used in their devices.
- The goal is to derive readable and idiomatic C code that compiles to the same binary as the original kernel.
- The approach involves using evolutionary algorithms to search for C code that matches the binary, with initial populations generated from sloppy, half-correct C code.
- The article mentions the use of ASTs (Abstract Syntax Trees) to represent C code and suggests limiting the search space by allowing only valid ASTs.
- It also discusses the potential use of neural decompilers and large language models, emphasizing the need for models trained on kernel code.
- The author considers the feasibility of mainlining an e-book reader device, noting the challenges and potential advantages.
- The article concludes by expressing the author's interest in pursuing this research after completing other projects.