Computer object code obfuscation using boot installation
US8176337B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/577
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In the field of computer software, obfuscation techniques for enhancing software security are applied to compiled (object) software code. The obfuscation results here in different versions (instances) of the obfuscated code being provided to different installations (recipient computing devices). The complementary code execution uses a boot loader or boot installer-type program at each installation which contains the requisite logic. Typically, the obfuscation results in a different instance of the obfuscated code for each intended installation (recipient) but each instance being semantically equivalent to the others. This is accomplished in one version by generating a random value or other parameter during the obfuscation process, and using the value to select a particular version of the obfuscating process, and then communicating the value along with boot loader or installer program software. This boot loader then selects which particular process to use for the code execution at the time of installation in accordance with the value. This results in different versions of the obfuscated code being provided to each recipient installation, which further enhances security of the code a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.