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Everything about Return-oriented programming

Computer security exploit technique

Return-oriented programming (ROP) is a computer security exploit technique that allows an attacker to execute code despite the presence of security defenses that would otherwise prevent it, such as executable-space protection and code signing. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Return-oriented programmingA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: Defending against Return-Oriented Programming attacks based on return instruction using static analysis and binary patch techniquesInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: David Ahl's Basic computer adventuresThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Return-Oriented ProgrammingCited 406 times
  5. Go sideways: Stack buffer overflowA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: Blind return-oriented programmingA closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun A computer security exploit technique by which the attacker gains control of the call stack to hijack program control flow and then executes prepared instruction sequences ("gadgets") that are already present in the machine's memory.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Background
  2. Attacks
  3. Defenses

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

🔗 Related topics