<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
<!-- NERF is a trademark of defconxt. -->
---
name: performing-binary-diffing
description: >-
  Compare binary versions to identify patches, vulnerability fixes, and code changes between software releases.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: reverse-engineering
tags:
  - binary-diff
  - patch-analysis
  - version-comparison
  - vulnerability-discovery
  - bindiff
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1588.006"]
  cwe: ["CWE-693"]
  tools: ["bindiff", "diaphora", "ghidra", "radare2"]
---

# Performing Binary Diffing

## Overview

Compare binary versions to identify patches, vulnerability fixes, and code changes between software releases.

## Prerequisites

| Tool / Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| `bindiff` | Security tooling |
| `diaphora` | Security tooling |
| `ghidra` | Security tooling |
| `radare2` | Security tooling |
| Isolated lab environment for testing | Environment requirement |
| Authorization and signed Rules of Engagement (RoE) | Environment requirement |
| Relevant target samples or systems acquired through authorized channels | Environment requirement |

## Quick Reference

```bash
# Initialize working environment
mkdir -p /tmp/performing-binary-diffing/{output,logs,artifacts}

# Execute primary analysis with bindiff
echo "[*] Running Performing Binary Diffing with bindiff..."

# Validate results with diaphora
echo "[*] Cross-validating with diaphora..."

# Generate summary report
cat /tmp/performing-binary-diffing/output/report.json
```

## Workflow

### Step 1: Preparation and Reconnaissance

```bash
# Identify target and gather initial intelligence
file ./target_sample
bindiff --version 2>/dev/null || echo "Install bindiff"

# Set up working directory
mkdir -p /tmp/performing-binary-diffing/{output,logs,artifacts}
```

### Step 2: Primary Analysis

```bash
# Execute primary analysis with bindiff
# Refer to Quick Reference above for detailed commands
echo "[*] Running Performing Binary Diffing with bindiff..."

# Log all operations
script -q /tmp/performing-binary-diffing/logs/session.log
```

### Step 3: Deep Investigation

```bash
# Apply diaphora for secondary analysis
echo "[*] Deep investigation with diaphora..."

# Cross-reference findings
diff /tmp/performing-binary-diffing/output/primary.json /tmp/performing-binary-diffing/output/secondary.json
```

### Step 4: Documentation and Reporting

```bash
# Generate structured findings report
cat <<'EOF' > /tmp/performing-binary-diffing/output/report.json
{
  "technique": "performing-binary-diffing",
  "domain": "reverse-engineering",
  "tools_used": ["bindiff", "diaphora"],
  "findings": [],
  "recommendations": []
}
EOF
```

## Detection

```yaml
title: Binary Diffing Detection
id: 953fd3f4-0031-45c5-bde4-f52a6dff697c
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to performing binary diffing techniques in reverse engineering context
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine: "*performing*binary*"
  condition: selection
level: medium
tags:
  - attack.t1588.006
  - attack.defense_evasion
falsepositives:
  - Malware analysis sandbox performing automated binary inspection
```


**Detection Opportunities**

| Indicator | Source | Detection Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Binary Diffing Detection | windows/process_creation | Sigma rule (medium) |
| ATT&CK Coverage | MITRE ATT&CK | T1588.006 |

## Verification

- [ ] Environment and tools verified and operational
- [ ] Target samples acquired through authorized channels
- [ ] Primary analysis completed with findings documented
- [ ] Secondary validation performed with independent tooling
- [ ] All artifacts preserved in structured output directory
- [ ] Detection opportunities documented for blue team

## References

- [MITRE ATT&CK T1588.006](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/006) — Related technique
- [bindiff Documentation](https://bindiff.org/) — Primary tooling
- [diaphora Reference](https://diaphora.org/) — Secondary tooling
