COMPACK – A Network Based RunPE for Software Piracy Prevention

Laha, Saptarshi (2020) COMPACK – A Network Based RunPE for Software Piracy Prevention. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Software piracy is a significant concern in today’s world. Software developers and software development companies aspire to prevent piracy of their products by incorporating various software licensing mechanisms into it. Additionally, the software is delivered to the customers in a packed state to make reverse-engineering of the same exceptionally complicated and laborious, thereby preventing individuals from accessing the underlying software licensing mechanism and executable code. This paper proposes a mechanism of code delivery which aims to be a strong contender for both traditional and modern packing techniques at providing the desirable amount of security. The discussed method involves handcrafting a portable executable which enforces reliable protection due to its same section entropy, zero performance overhead, same file size, the self-modifying behaviour of the resulting executable file. These properties allow the constructed portable executable to be competent at subverting reverse-engineering tools targeted at unpacking packed executables, while also making manual inspection of the same an arduous toil. It further helps preserve the integrity and confidentiality of the software by retaining the logic of the software licensing mechanism and executable code present underneath, while keeping it away from the prying eyes of the analyst.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Dan English
Date Deposited:	27 Jan 2021 16:47
Last Modified:	27 Jan 2021 16:47
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4503

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