How to reverse engineer exe ?

Best answer: Many developers are still not aware that Portable Executable (PE) files can be decompiled to readable source code. Before learning how to prevent or make it hard for the decompilers to reverse engineer the source code, we need to understand few basics concepts.

FAQ

How do you reverse engineer a program?
In order to perform reverse engineering, you need to combine skills in disassembling, network monitoring, debugging, API integration, several program languages, compilers, etc. You also have to be very careful when reversing software in order not to break copyright laws or harm your system.

Is reverse engineering an app illegal?
Reverse engineering is generally legal. In trade secret law, similar to independent developing, reverse engineering is considered an allowed method to discover a trade secret. However, in patent law, because the patent owner has exclusive rights to use, own or develop the patent, reverse engineering is not a defense.

What is a good decompiler for an .EXE file?
IDA Pro, Hex Rays. IDA Pro is one of the best and most popular reverse engineering software tools. It’s an interactive disassembler that has a built-in command language (IDC) and supports a number of executable formats for various processors and operating systems.

What language is .EXE written in?
An EXE file is a type of program that runs in Microsoft Windows. It consists of binary, machine language code that’s not designed to be read or written by humans.

Can any software be reverse engineered?
You can reverse engineer any software as long as it runs physically on your hardware whatever the hardware is. Sometimes hardware needs to be hacked first in order to begin hacking programs on it.

Is reverse engineering difficult?
Reverse engineering in itself is a broad task – the difficulty highly depends on the product. The only common is that successfully reverse engineering a product typically requires domain knowledge. Whether it be manufacturing, a process, software, or other.

Can you reverse engineer source code?
Software applications comprise source code files that are compiled to convert them into binary executable code. If this binary executable code is converted back into source code files using a decompiler then this will be termed as reverse engineering of source code.

What is reverse engineer a computer program?
Software reverse-engineering focuses on a program’s machine code — the string of 0s and 1s that are sent to the logic processor. Program language statements are used to turn the machine code back into the original source code.

What has reverse engineered?
Reverse engineering is applicable in the fields of computer engineering, mechanical engineering, design, electronic engineering, software engineering, chemical engineering, and systems biology.

What are some examples of reverse engineering?

1. Fire-fighting sprinkler valves.
2. Air-conditioning and refrigeration system packed and packless valves (see below)
3. Mechanical seals.
4. Air conditioning system dryer housing assembly.
5. High temperature bolt/washer assembly.
6. Bleed-air valve components.

Is it illegal to decompile code?
Higher-level reverse engineering such as decompilation is illegal as it is a threat to the ideas and intellectual property of the software creators via recreating the source code, which is the protected element.

Is it illegal to decompile game code?
Decompiling is both illegal and wrong, unless it’s your own work. You can learn what you need on Google, or find open-source stuff using it and learn from that. It’s illegal to decompile ANYTHING without permission.

Is disassembling a program illegal?
In the USA, it is legal as long as the software was obtained legally, but if the license prohibits it explicitly (and most software licenses do) then it is a breach of the contract which the license constitutes — thus “illegal”, but a matter of civil law, not penal.