abilint - Linux

Overview

abilint is a powerful command-line tool used to analyze and validate binary executable files on Linux systems. It performs a comprehensive set of checks to verify the integrity, alignment, and relocation of the binary, ensuring its compatibility and proper execution.

Syntax

abilint [options] binary_file

Options/Flags

  • -d: Dump the parsed sections and symbols of the binary in a detailed format.

  • -s: Check the alignment of sections and symbols to ensure proper execution.

  • -r: Verify the relocation of sections and symbols, addressing potential compatibility issues.

  • -a: Perform all available checks, including dump, alignment, and relocation verification.

  • -h: Display help information about the command’s usage.

Examples

Simple Validation

Validate the alignment of a binary file:

abilint -s binary_file

Comprehensive Analysis

Perform all available checks on a binary:

abilint -a binary_file

Dump Section Information

Dump the sections and symbols of a binary in detail:

abilint -d binary_file

Common Issues

  • Misaligned sections or symbols: abilint will indicate misaligned sections or symbols that may cause execution errors. Check the binary’s compilation settings or dependencies.

  • Invalid relocation: Incorrect relocation information can lead to compatibility problems. Consider recompiling the binary with updated dependencies or using a compatible environment.

Integration

abilint can be integrated with other tools for advanced tasks:

  • objdump: Combine abilint‘s analysis with objdump‘s disassembly capabilities for deeper binary inspection.

  • readelf: Use readelf to view the ELF headers and sections of a binary after abilint‘s verification.

Related Commands

  • objdump: Disassembles binary files, providing a detailed view of instructions and assembly code.
  • readelf: Displays the ELF headers and sections of binary files, offering information on symbol tables and relocation.

For further information, refer to the official man pages of these commands.