Binary Disassembly

Binary disassembly is a crucial reconnaissance technique in which attackers convert compiled machine code back into readable assembly language to understand program functionality without access to the original source code. During the reconnaissance phase, adversaries employ tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Radare2 to analyze binary files (executables, libraries, firmware) to identify security vulnerabilities, authentication mechanisms, cryptographic implementations, and proprietary algorithms. Through static analysis of the disassembled code, attackers can map program control flow, locate input validation routines, identify memory management weaknesses, and discover undocumented functionality that might be leveraged in subsequent attack phases. This technique enables threat actors to develop targeted exploits by discovering memory corruption vulnerabilities, hardcoded credentials, and other implementation flaws that would remain hidden without examining the application's low-level implementation details.