Archive for the ‘WinDbg Scripts’ Category

Forthcoming 2nd edition of Memory Dump Analysis Anthology, Volume 1

Sunday, April 15th, 2012

After 4 years in print this bestselling title needs an update to address minor changes, include extra examples and reference additional research published in Volumes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

  • Title: Memory Dump Analysis Anthology, Volume 1
  • Author: Dmitry Vostokov
  • Publisher: OpenTask (Summer 2012)
  • Language: English
  • Product Dimensions: 22.86 x 15.24
  • Paperback: 800 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-908043-35-1
  • Hardcover: 800 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-908043-36-8

The cover for both paperback and hardcover titles will also have a matte finish. We used A Memory Window artwork for the back cover.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

AdvWMDA on Safari Books Online

Monday, February 6th, 2012

I’m pleased to announce that “Advanced Windows Memory Dump Analysis with Data Structures: Training Course Transcript and WinDbg Practice Exercises with Notes” book is available for Safari Books Online subscribers:

http://my.safaribooksonline.com/9781908043344

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

New Book: Advanced Windows Memory Dump Analysis

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Advanced training sessions time may not suitable due to different geographic time zones. So I have decided to publish this training in a book format (currently in PDF) and make it available in paperback on Amazon and B&N later. Book details:

  • Title: Advanced Windows Memory Dump Analysis with Data Structures: Training Course Transcript and WinDbg Practice Exercises with Notes
  • Description: The full transcript of Memory Dump Analysis Services Training with 10 step-by-step exercises, notes, and selected Q&A.
  • Authors: Dmitry Vostokov, Memory Dump Analysis Services
  • Publisher: OpenTask (January 2012)
  • Language: English
  • Product Dimensions: 28.0 x 21.6
  • Paperback: 180 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1908043344

Table of Contents

Now available for sale in PDF format from Memory Dump Analysis Services.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Raw Stack Dump of all threads (part 5)

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

Having done in the past with user space raw stack data analysis for 32-bit complete memory dumps I found today the need to look at kernel raw stack data from all threads and created this fast script:

!for_each_thread "!thread @#Thread; r? $t1 = ((nt!_KTHREAD *) @#Thread )->StackLimit; r? $t2 = ((nt!_KTHREAD *) @#Thread )->InitialStack; dps @$t1 @$t2"

It can be run for kernel and complete memory dumps from both x86 and x64 systems. If you need to have correct symbolic mapping for user space in kernel space data you need to modify it a bit and it will be slower to run.

!for_each_thread "!thread @#Thread ff; .thread /r /p @#Thread; r? $t1 = ((nt!_KTHREAD *) @#Thread )->StackLimit; r? $t2 = ((nt!_KTHREAD *) @#Thread )->InitialStack; dps @$t1 @$t2"

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Analysis, Architectural, Design, Implementation and Usage Debugging Patterns (Part 1)

Saturday, January 7th, 2012

This is another tracing example of unified debugging patterns introduced previously.

- Analysis Patterns

Focus of Tracing

- Architectural Patterns

Debug Event Subscription / Notification

- Design Patterns

Shared Debug Event State

- Implementation Patterns

Shared Variable

- Usage Patterns

Saving a memory address obtained at a breakpoint event in a debugger pseudo-register for use at later breakpoint events

Debugging.tv published a case study for tracing window messages in WinDbg. There a pseudo-register is used to save a buffer address before GetMessage call and then to reuse it after the call. Please look at Event State Management slide on Frames episode 0×06 presentation. The full WinDbg log and the recording are available there too.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Crash Dump Analysis Patterns (Part 162)

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Sometimes Problem Module pattern can help in troubleshooting. Problem modules (including process names) are components that due to their value adding behaviour might break normal software behaviour and therefore require some troubleshooting workarounds from minor configuration changes to complete removal. Typical examples include memory optimization services for terminal services environments or hooksware. Typically you can see main process modules in the output of !vm or !process 0 0 commands. lm command will list module names such as DLLs from a process memory dump, lmk command can give you the list of kernel space modules (for example, drivers) from kernel and complete memory dumps, and the following command lists all user space modules for each process in a complete memory dump:

!for_each_process ".process /r /p @#Process; lmu"

Of course you can also try various lm command variants if you are interested in timestamps and module information.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Crash Dump Analysis Patterns (Part 27c)

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

Sometimes we need to narrow general stack trace collection to a few threads that satisfy some predicate, for example, all threads with kernel time spent greater than some value or all suspended threads or all threads that wait for a specific synchronization object type. We call this pattern variant Stack Trace Collection (predicate). This can be implemented using WinDbg scripts and / or debugger extensions.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

2 WinDbg Scripts That Changed The World

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

If not for you then definitely for me because I now diagnose Spiking Thread pattern much faster. One of the readers if this blog asked me whether there is !runaway command equivalent for kernel and complete memory dumps. So, after some thinking I gave it a try especially in the context of WinDbg scripting exercises designed for Advanced Windows Memory Dump Analysis training. As a result I wrote 2 scripts initially that you can try yourself. Their output here is taken from a complete memory dump I used for Fundamentals of Complete Crash and Hang Memory Dump Analysis presentation.

The first one dumps the most CPU consuming threads for user and kernel mode:

$$
$$ krunawaymost.wds
$$ Copyright (c) 2011 Memory Dump Analysis Services
$$ GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
$$ http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.txt
$$
r $t0 = 0
!for_each_thread “r $t1 = dwo( @#Thread + @@c++(#FIELD_OFFSET(nt!_KTHREAD, UserTime)) ); .if (@$t1 > @$t0) {r $t0 = @$t1; r $t2 = @#Thread}”
.echo “The largest UserTime value: ”
? @$t0
!thread @$t2 ff
r $t0 = 0
!for_each_thread “r $t1 = dwo( @#Thread + @@c++(#FIELD_OFFSET(nt!_KTHREAD, KernelTime)) ); .if (@$t1 > @$t0) {r $t0 = @$t1; r $t2 = @#Thread}”
.echo “The largest KernelTime value: ”
? @$t0
!thread @$t2 ff

0: kd> $$><c:\Scripts\krunawaymost.wds
The largest UserTime value:
Evaluate expression: 5470 = 00000000`0000155e

THREAD fffffa800451d720  Cid 1418.17fc  Teb: 000007fffffdc000 Win32Thread: 0000000000000000 RUNNING on processor 2
Not impersonating
DeviceMap                 fffff8a001ce6b90
Owning Process            fffffa800442ab30       Image:         ApplicationE.exe
Attached Process          N/A            Image:         N/A
Wait Start TickCount      22295          Ticks: 0
Context Switch Count      27960            
UserTime                  00:01:25.332
KernelTime                00:00:00.015
*** ERROR: Module load completed but symbols could not be loaded for ApplicationE.exe
Win32 Start Address ApplicationE (0×000000013f0f1578)
Stack Init fffff8800723cc70 Current fffff8800723c960
Base fffff8800723d000 Limit fffff88007237000 Call 0
Priority 8 BasePriority 8 UnusualBoost 0 ForegroundBoost 0 IoPriority 2 PagePriority 5
Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
00000000`0021f9e0 00000000`00000000 ApplicationE+0×6cd3

The largest KernelTime value:
Evaluate expression: 187 = 00000000`000000bb

THREAD fffffa80098d7b60  Cid 07bc.0a14  Teb: 000007fffffd7000 Win32Thread: fffff900c2ca0c20 WAIT: (UserRequest) KernelMode Non-Alertable
    fffffa8008a4a030  NotificationEvent
Not impersonating
DeviceMap                 fffff8a001ce6b90
Owning Process            fffffa80096beb30       Image:         dwm.exe
Attached Process          N/A            Image:         N/A
Wait Start TickCount      22294          Ticks: 1 (0:00:00:00.015)
Context Switch Count      15473                 LargeStack
UserTime                  00:00:06.801
KernelTime                00:00:02.917
Win32 Start Address dwmcore!CPartitionThread::ThreadMain (0×000007fef8a1f0d8)
Stack Init fffff8800d3d5c70 Current fffff8800d3d5740
Base fffff8800d3d6000 Limit fffff8800d3cf000 Call 0
Priority 15 BasePriority 15 UnusualBoost 0 ForegroundBoost 0 IoPriority 2 PagePriority 5
Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
fffff880`0d3d5780 fffff800`02ee6f32 nt!KiSwapContext+0×7a
fffff880`0d3d58c0 fffff800`02ee974f nt!KiCommitThreadWait+0×1d2
fffff880`0d3d5950 fffff880`0fef65b3 nt!KeWaitForSingleObject+0×19f
fffff880`0d3d59f0 fffff960`001fedea dxgkrnl!DxgkWaitForVerticalBlankEvent+0×53f
fffff880`0d3d5ab0 fffff800`02ee0ed3 win32k!NtGdiDdDDIWaitForVerticalBlankEvent+0×12
fffff880`0d3d5ae0 000007fe`ff1d143a nt!KiSystemServiceCopyEnd+0×13 (TrapFrame @ fffff880`0d3d5ae0)
00000000`0287f778 000007fe`f8791da1 GDI32!NtGdiDdDDIWaitForVerticalBlankEvent+0xa
00000000`0287f780 000007fe`f89e1b6e dxgi!CDXGIOutput::WaitForVBlank+0×51
00000000`0287f7c0 000007fe`f89e1ae9 dwmcore!CD3DDeviceLevel1::WaitForVBlank+0×1f9
00000000`0287f810 000007fe`f89e1a9d dwmcore!CHwDisplayRenderTarget::WaitForVBlank+0×39
00000000`0287f850 000007fe`f89e1a4c dwmcore!CDesktopRenderTarget::WaitForVBlank+0×40
00000000`0287f880 000007fe`f89d3513 dwmcore!CSlaveHWndRenderTarget::WaitForVBlank+0×2c
00000000`0287f8c0 000007fe`f89d3584 dwmcore!CRenderTargetManager::WaitForVBlank+0×7d
00000000`0287f900 000007fe`f89d2661 dwmcore!CPartitionVerticalBlankScheduler::WaitForVBlank+0×7c
00000000`0287f950 000007fe`f8a1f0f4 dwmcore!CPartitionVerticalBlankScheduler::Run+0xe5
00000000`0287f9b0 00000000`7719652d dwmcore!CPartitionThread::ThreadMain+0×1c
00000000`0287f9e0 00000000`772cc521 kernel32!BaseThreadInitThunk+0xd
00000000`0287fa10 00000000`00000000 ntdll!RtlUserThreadStart+0×1d

The second script takes two arguments and shows all threads that have UserTime and KernelTime ticks value greater than (you can have the idea of the maximum from the previous script):

$$
$$ krunawaygt.wds
$$ Copyright (c) 2011 Memory Dump Analysis Services
$$ GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
$$ http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.txt
$$
!for_each_thread “r $t1 = dwo( @#Thread + @@c++(#FIELD_OFFSET(nt!_KTHREAD, UserTime)) ); r $t0 = $arg1; .if (@$t1 > @$t0) {!thread @#Thread ff}”
!for_each_thread “r $t1 = dwo( @#Thread + @@c++(#FIELD_OFFSET(nt!_KTHREAD, KernelTime)) ); r $t0 = $arg2; .if (@$t1 > @$t0) {!thread @#Thread ff}”

Using hints from the previous script run (the largest UserTime ticks value is 0×155e) we now get threads that spent more than 0×100 ticks in user mode:

0: kd> $$>a<c:\Scripts\krunawaygt.wds 100 100
THREAD fffffa800843e060  Cid 03f4.0658  Teb: 000007fffff90000 Win32Thread: 0000000000000000 WAIT: (WrQueue) UserMode Non-Alertable
    fffffa800843c2c0  QueueObject
Not impersonating
DeviceMap                 fffff8a000008aa0
Owning Process            fffffa800916b060       Image:         MsMpEng.exe
Attached Process          N/A            Image:         N/A
Wait Start TickCount      21211          Ticks: 1084 (0:00:00:16.910)
Context Switch Count      6028            
UserTime                  00:00:10.140
KernelTime                00:00:00.296
Win32 Start Address msvcrt!endthreadex (0×000007feff5173fc)
Stack Init fffff88009d4bc70 Current fffff88009d4b660
Base fffff88009d4c000 Limit fffff88009d46000 Call 0
Priority 9 BasePriority 8 UnusualBoost 0 ForegroundBoost 0 IoPriority 2 PagePriority 5
*** ERROR: Symbol file could not be found.  Defaulted to export symbols for mprtp.dll -
Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
fffff880`09d4b6a0 fffff800`02ee6f32 nt!KiSwapContext+0×7a
fffff880`09d4b7e0 fffff800`02ee9f93 nt!KiCommitThreadWait+0×1d2
fffff880`09d4b870 fffff800`031ca647 nt!KeRemoveQueueEx+0×323
fffff880`09d4b930 fffff800`0319cae5 nt!IoRemoveIoCompletion+0×47
fffff880`09d4b9c0 fffff800`02ee0ed3 nt!NtRemoveIoCompletion+0×145
fffff880`09d4ba70 00000000`772f13aa nt!KiSystemServiceCopyEnd+0×13 (TrapFrame @ fffff880`09d4bae0)
00000000`0209fb08 000007fe`fd9e169d ntdll!ZwRemoveIoCompletion+0xa
00000000`0209fb10 00000000`7718a4e1 KERNELBASE!GetQueuedCompletionStatus+0×39
00000000`0209fb70 00000000`748f2c74 kernel32!GetQueuedCompletionStatusStub+0×11
00000000`0209fbb0 00000000`0045cbc0 mprtp!MpPluginSignatureChange+0×3e170
00000000`0209fbb8 000007fe`fbac25ff 0×45cbc0
00000000`0209fbc0 00000000`00466610 FLTLIB!FilterGetMessage+0×2b
00000000`0209fc20 00000000`00000000 0×466610

THREAD fffffa800845c060  Cid 03f4.065c  Teb: 000007fffff8e000 Win32Thread: 0000000000000000 WAIT: (WrQueue) UserMode Non-Alertable
    fffffa800843c2c0  QueueObject
Not impersonating
DeviceMap                 fffff8a000008aa0
Owning Process            fffffa800916b060       Image:         MsMpEng.exe
Attached Process          N/A            Image:         N/A
Wait Start TickCount      21520          Ticks: 775 (0:00:00:12.090)
Context Switch Count      4979            
UserTime                  00:00:04.149
KernelTime                00:00:00.156
Win32 Start Address msvcrt!endthreadex (0×000007feff5173fc)
Stack Init fffff88009d52c70 Current fffff88009d52660
Base fffff88009d53000 Limit fffff88009d4d000 Call 0
Priority 8 BasePriority 8 UnusualBoost 0 ForegroundBoost 0 IoPriority 2 PagePriority 5
*** ERROR: Symbol file could not be found.  Defaulted to export symbols for mprtp.dll -
Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
fffff880`09d526a0 fffff800`02ee6f32 nt!KiSwapContext+0×7a
fffff880`09d527e0 fffff800`02ee9f93 nt!KiCommitThreadWait+0×1d2
fffff880`09d52870 fffff800`031ca647 nt!KeRemoveQueueEx+0×323
fffff880`09d52930 fffff800`0319cae5 nt!IoRemoveIoCompletion+0×47
fffff880`09d529c0 fffff800`02ee0ed3 nt!NtRemoveIoCompletion+0×145
fffff880`09d52a70 00000000`772f13aa nt!KiSystemServiceCopyEnd+0×13 (TrapFrame @ fffff880`09d52ae0)
00000000`01ccf498 000007fe`fd9e169d ntdll!ZwRemoveIoCompletion+0xa
00000000`01ccf4a0 00000000`7718a4e1 KERNELBASE!GetQueuedCompletionStatus+0×39
00000000`01ccf500 00000000`748f2c74 kernel32!GetQueuedCompletionStatusStub+0×11
00000000`01ccf540 00000000`0045d030 mprtp!MpPluginSignatureChange+0×3e170
00000000`01ccf548 000007fe`fbac25ff 0×45d030
00000000`01ccf550 00000000`004666b0 FLTLIB!FilterGetMessage+0×2b
00000000`01ccf5b0 00000000`00000000 0×4666b0

THREAD fffffa80092b7060  Cid 03f4.1268  Teb: 000007fffff6a000 Win32Thread: 0000000000000000 WAIT: (WrQueue) UserMode Alertable
    fffffa8009299140  QueueObject
Not impersonating
DeviceMap                 fffff8a000008aa0
Owning Process            fffffa800916b060       Image:         MsMpEng.exe
Attached Process          N/A            Image:         N/A
Wait Start TickCount      7762           Ticks: 14533 (0:00:03:46.716)
Context Switch Count      3297            
UserTime                  00:00:06.489
KernelTime                00:00:00.499
Win32 Start Address ntdll!TppWorkerThread (0×00000000772bfbc0)
Stack Init fffff8800e620c70 Current fffff8800e620680
Base fffff8800e621000 Limit fffff8800e61b000 Call 0
Priority 8 BasePriority 8 UnusualBoost 0 ForegroundBoost 0 IoPriority 2 PagePriority 5
Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
fffff880`0e6206c0 fffff800`02ee6f32 nt!KiSwapContext+0×7a
fffff880`0e620800 fffff800`02ee9f93 nt!KiCommitThreadWait+0×1d2
fffff880`0e620890 fffff800`031ca647 nt!KeRemoveQueueEx+0×323
fffff880`0e620950 fffff800`02ecdb36 nt!IoRemoveIoCompletion+0×47
fffff880`0e6209e0 fffff800`02ee0ed3 nt!NtWaitForWorkViaWorkerFactory+0×285
fffff880`0e620ae0 00000000`772f2c1a nt!KiSystemServiceCopyEnd+0×13 (TrapFrame @ fffff880`0e620ae0)
00000000`0540f998 00000000`772bfe0b ntdll!ZwWaitForWorkViaWorkerFactory+0xa
00000000`0540f9a0 00000000`7719652d ntdll!TppWorkerThread+0×2c9
00000000`0540fca0 00000000`772cc521 kernel32!BaseThreadInitThunk+0xd
00000000`0540fcd0 00000000`00000000 ntdll!RtlUserThreadStart+0×1d

THREAD fffffa80098d7b60  Cid 07bc.0a14  Teb: 000007fffffd7000 Win32Thread: fffff900c2ca0c20 WAIT: (UserRequest) KernelMode Non-Alertable
    fffffa8008a4a030  NotificationEvent
Not impersonating
DeviceMap                 fffff8a001ce6b90
Owning Process            fffffa80096beb30       Image:         dwm.exe
Attached Process          N/A            Image:         N/A
Wait Start TickCount      22294          Ticks: 1 (0:00:00:00.015)
Context Switch Count      15473                 LargeStack
UserTime                  00:00:06.801
KernelTime                00:00:02.917
Win32 Start Address dwmcore!CPartitionThread::ThreadMain (0×000007fef8a1f0d8)
Stack Init fffff8800d3d5c70 Current fffff8800d3d5740
Base fffff8800d3d6000 Limit fffff8800d3cf000 Call 0
Priority 15 BasePriority 15 UnusualBoost 0 ForegroundBoost 0 IoPriority 2 PagePriority 5
Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
fffff880`0d3d5780 fffff800`02ee6f32 nt!KiSwapContext+0×7a
fffff880`0d3d58c0 fffff800`02ee974f nt!KiCommitThreadWait+0×1d2
fffff880`0d3d5950 fffff880`0fef65b3 nt!KeWaitForSingleObject+0×19f
fffff880`0d3d59f0 fffff960`001fedea dxgkrnl!DxgkWaitForVerticalBlankEvent+0×53f
fffff880`0d3d5ab0 fffff800`02ee0ed3 win32k!NtGdiDdDDIWaitForVerticalBlankEvent+0×12
fffff880`0d3d5ae0 000007fe`ff1d143a nt!KiSystemServiceCopyEnd+0×13 (TrapFrame @ fffff880`0d3d5ae0)
00000000`0287f778 000007fe`f8791da1 GDI32!NtGdiDdDDIWaitForVerticalBlankEvent+0xa
00000000`0287f780 000007fe`f89e1b6e dxgi!CDXGIOutput::WaitForVBlank+0×51
00000000`0287f7c0 000007fe`f89e1ae9 dwmcore!CD3DDeviceLevel1::WaitForVBlank+0×1f9
00000000`0287f810 000007fe`f89e1a9d dwmcore!CHwDisplayRenderTarget::WaitForVBlank+0×39
00000000`0287f850 000007fe`f89e1a4c dwmcore!CDesktopRenderTarget::WaitForVBlank+0×40
00000000`0287f880 000007fe`f89d3513 dwmcore!CSlaveHWndRenderTarget::WaitForVBlank+0×2c
00000000`0287f8c0 000007fe`f89d3584 dwmcore!CRenderTargetManager::WaitForVBlank+0×7d
00000000`0287f900 000007fe`f89d2661 dwmcore!CPartitionVerticalBlankScheduler::WaitForVBlank+0×7c
00000000`0287f950 000007fe`f8a1f0f4 dwmcore!CPartitionVerticalBlankScheduler::Run+0xe5
00000000`0287f9b0 00000000`7719652d dwmcore!CPartitionThread::ThreadMain+0×1c
00000000`0287f9e0 00000000`772cc521 kernel32!BaseThreadInitThunk+0xd
00000000`0287fa10 00000000`00000000 ntdll!RtlUserThreadStart+0×1d

THREAD fffffa800451d720  Cid 1418.17fc  Teb: 000007fffffdc000 Win32Thread: 0000000000000000 RUNNING on processor 2
Not impersonating
DeviceMap                 fffff8a001ce6b90
Owning Process            fffffa800442ab30       Image:         ApplicationE.exe
Attached Process          N/A            Image:         N/A
Wait Start TickCount      22295          Ticks: 0
Context Switch Count      27960            
UserTime                  00:01:25.332
KernelTime                00:00:00.015
*** ERROR: Module load completed but symbols could not be loaded for ApplicationE.exe
Win32 Start Address ApplicationE (0×000000013f0f1578)
Stack Init fffff8800723cc70 Current fffff8800723c960
Base fffff8800723d000 Limit fffff88007237000 Call 0
Priority 8 BasePriority 8 UnusualBoost 0 ForegroundBoost 0 IoPriority 2 PagePriority 5
Child-SP          RetAddr           Call Site
00000000`0021f9e0 00000000`00000000 ApplicationE+0×6cd3

Memory Dump Analysis Services is now working to incorporate client-side WinDbg scripting into their CARE2 architecture. 

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Advanced Windows Memory Dump Analysis with Data Structures Training Course

Sunday, August 14th, 2011

Due to the need to extend existing basic and intermediate Accelerated Windows Memory Dump Analysis training Memory Dump Analysis Services organises advanced training course. Here is the description and registration information:

Learn how to navigate through memory dump space and Windows data structures to troubleshoot and debug complex software incidents. We use a unique and innovative pattern-driven analysis approach to speed up the learning curve. The training consists of practical step-by-step exercises using WinDbg to diagnose structural and behavioral patterns in 32-bit and 64-bit process, kernel and complete memory dumps.

Advanced Windows Memory Dump Analysis Logo

If you are registered you are allowed to optionally submit your memory dumps before the training. This will allow us in addition to the carefully constructed problems tailor extra examples to the needs of the attendees.

The training consists of one four-hour session and additional homework exercises. When you finish the training you additionally get:

  1. A full transcript in PDF format (retail price $200)
  2. 5 volumes of Memory Dump Analysis Anthology in PDF format (retail price $100)
  3. A personalized attendance certificate with unique CID (PDF format)

Prerequisites: Basic and intermediate level Windows memory dump analysis: ability to list processors, processes, threads, modules, apply symbols, walk through stack traces and raw stack data, diagnose patterns such as heap corruption, CPU spike, memory and handle leaks, access violation, stack overflow, critical section and resource wait chains and deadlocks. If you don’t feel comfortable with prerequisites then Accelerated Windows Memory Dump Analysis training is recommended to take (or purchase a corresponding book) before attending this course.

Audience: Software developers, software technical support and escalation engineers.

Session: December 9, 2011 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM GMT

Price: 210 USD

Space is limited.
Reserve your remote training seat now at:
https://student.gototraining.com/24s4l/register/3788047691824598784

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

WDN-US on Safari Books Online

Sunday, June 19th, 2011

I’m pleased to announce that Windows Debugging Notebook: Essential User Space WinDbg Commands is available for Safari Books Online subscribers:

http://my.safaribooksonline.com/9781906717001

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Memory Dump Analysis Anthology, Volume 5 is available for download

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

I’m pleased to announce that MDAA, Volume 5 is available in PDF format:

www.dumpanalysis.org/Memory+Dump+Analysis+Anthology+Volume+5

It features:

- 25 new crash dump analysis patterns
- 11 new pattern interaction case studies (including software tracing)
- 16 new trace analysis patterns
- 7 structural memory patterns
- 4 modeling case studies for memory dump analysis patterns
- Discussion of 3 common analysis mistakes
- Malware analysis case study
- Computer independent architecture of crash analysis report service
- Expanded coverage of software narratology
- Metaphysical and theological implications of memory dump worldview
- More pictures of memory space and physicalist art
- Classification of memory visualization tools
- Memory visualization case studies
- Close reading of the stories of Sherlock Holmes: Dr. Watson’s observational patterns
- Fully cross-referenced with Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, and Volume 4

Its table of contents is available here:

www.dumpanalysis.org/MDAA/MDA-Anthology-V5-TOC.pdf

Paperback and hardcover versions should be available in a week or two. I also started working on Volume 6 that should be available in November-December.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Forthcoming Windows Debugging Notebook: Essential User Space WinDbg Commands

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

Finally, after the numerous delays, the first Windows Debugging Notebook is almost ready for publication by the end of this month with a new cover and a foreword written by Mario Hewardt, the author of Advanced Windows Debugging and Advanced .NET Debugging books:

It is the first notebook because we have decided to split it into 3 different memory space volumes and one additional overview volume for concepts and tools:

- Windows Debugging Notebook: Essential User Space WinDbg Commands (ISBN: 978-1906717001 and 978-0955832857)
- Windows Debugging Notebook: Essential Kernel Space WinDbg Commands (ISBN: 978-1908043146)
- Windows Debugging Notebook: Essential Managed Space WinDbg .NET Commands (ISBN: 978-1908043153)
- Windows Debugging Notebook: Essential Concepts and Tools (ISBN: 978-1908043160)

On a bookshelf you would be able to distinguish between the first 3 volumes by a 3 color spine stripe with an appropriate check on it: red for kernel, blue for user, and green for managed space.

The Table of Contents has been changed too.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Forthcoming Memory Dump Analysis Anthology, Volume 5

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Five volumes of cross-disciplinary Anthology (dubbed by the author “The Summa Memorianica”) lay the foundation of the scientific discipline of Memoretics (study of computer memory snapshots and their evolution in time) that is also called Memory Dump and Software Trace Analysis.ca

The 5th volume contains revised, edited, cross-referenced, and thematically organized selected DumpAnalysis.org blog posts about crash dump, software trace analysis and debugging written in February 2010 - October 2010 for software engineers developing and maintaining products on Windows platforms, quality assurance engineers testing software on Windows platforms, technical support and escalation engineers dealing with complex software issues, and security researchers, malware analysts and reverse engineers. The fifth volume features:

- 25 new crash dump analysis patterns
- 11 new pattern interaction case studies (including software tracing)
- 16 new trace analysis patterns
- 7 structural memory patterns
- 4 modeling case studies for memory dump analysis patterns
- Discussion of 3 common analysis mistakes
- Malware analysis case study
- Computer independent architecture of crash analysis report service
- Expanded coverage of software narratology
- Metaphysical and theological implications of memory dump worldview
- More pictures of memory space and physicalist art
- Classification of memory visualization tools
- Memory visualization case studies
- Close reading of the stories of Sherlock Holmes: Dr. Watson’s observational patterns
- Fully cross-referenced with Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, and Volume 4

Product information:

  • Title: Memory Dump Analysis Anthology, Volume 5
  • Author: Dmitry Vostokov
  • Language: English
  • Product Dimensions: 22.86 x 15.24
  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Opentask (10 December 2010)
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-906717-96-4
  • Hardcover: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Opentask (10 December 2010)
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-906717-97-1

Back cover features memory space art image Hot Computation: Memory on Fire.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Memory Dump Analysis Anthology, Volume 4 is available for download

Saturday, November 6th, 2010

I’m pleased to announce that MDAA, Volume 4 is available in PDF format:

www.dumpanalysis.org/Memory+Dump+Analysis+Anthology+Volume+4

It features:

- 15 new crash dump analysis patterns
- 13 new pattern interaction case studies
- 10 new trace analysis patterns
- 6 new Debugware patterns and case study
- Workaround patterns
- Updated checklist
- Fully cross-referenced with Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3
- Memory visualization tutorials
- Memory space art

Its table of contents is available here:

http://www.dumpanalysis.org/MDAA/MDA-Anthology-V4-TOC.pdf

Paperback and hardcover versions should be available in a week or two. I also started working on Volume 5 that should be available in December.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Raw Stack Dump of all threads (part 4)

Friday, October 8th, 2010

The previously published script to dump raw stack of all threads dumps only 64-bit raw stack from 64-bit WOW64 process memory dumps (a 32-bit process saved in a 64-bit dump). In order to dump WOW64 32-bit raw stack from such 64-bit dumps we need another script. After I found a location of 32-bit TEB pointers (WOW64 TEB32) inside a 64-bit TEB structure I was able to create such a script:

0:000> .load wow64exts

0:000> !teb
Wow64 TEB32 at 000000007efdd000

Wow64 TEB at 000000007efdb000
    ExceptionList:        000000007efdd000
    StackBase:            000000000008fd20
    StackLimit:           0000000000082000
    SubSystemTib:         0000000000000000
    FiberData:            0000000000001e00
    ArbitraryUserPointer: 0000000000000000
    Self:                 000000007efdb000
    EnvironmentPointer:   0000000000000000
    ClientId:             0000000000000f34 . 0000000000000290
    RpcHandle:            0000000000000000
    Tls Storage:          0000000000000000
    PEB Address:          000000007efdf000
    LastErrorValue:       0
    LastStatusValue:      0
    Count Owned Locks:    0
    HardErrorMode:        0

0:000:x86> !wow64exts.info

PEB32: 0x7efde000
PEB64: 0x7efdf000

Wow64 information for current thread:

TEB32: 0x7efdd000
TEB64: 0x7efdb000

32 bit, StackBase   : 0×1a0000
        StackLimit  : 0×190000
        Deallocation: 0xa0000

64 bit, StackBase   : 0x8fd20
        StackLimit  : 0x82000
        Deallocation: 0x50000

[...]

0:000:x86> dd 000000007efdd000 L4
7efdd000  0019fa84 001a0000 00190000 00000000

So the script obviously should be this:

~*e r? $t1 = ((ntdll!_NT_TIB *)@$teb)->ExceptionList; !wow64exts.info; dds poi(@$t1+8) poi(@$t1+4)

Before running it against a freshly opened user dump we need to execute the following commands first after setting symbols right:

.load wow64exts;
.effmach x86

I’ve also created a page to put all such scripts together:

Raw Stack Analysis Scripts 

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Forthcoming Webinar: Fundamentals of Complete Crash and Hang Memory Dump Analysis

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Complete Memory Dump Analysis Logo

Memory Dump Analysis Services (DumpAnalysis.com) organizes a free webinar

Date: 18th of August 2010
Time: 21:00 (BST) 16:00 (Eastern) 13:00 (Pacific)
Duration: 90 minutes

Topics include:

- User vs. kernel vs. physical (complete) memory space
- Challenges of complete memory dump analysis
- Common WinDbg commands
- Patterns
- Common mistakes
- Fiber bundles
- Hands-on exercise: a complete memory dump analysis
- A guide to DumpAnalysis.org case studies

Prerequisites: working knowledge of basic user process and kernel memory dump analysis or live debugging using WinDbg 

The webinar link will be posted before 18th of August on DumpAnalysis.com

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Forthcoming Webinars: Complete Debugging and Crash Analysis for Windows

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Finally, after careful consideration, I’ve come up with the topic that has been neglected so far but at the same time important for both camps (kernel space and user space, including managed space): complete memory dump and software trace analysis. I plan to publish the first webinar agenda early in July and deliver the webinar in August (the date should be finalized by mid July).

PS. Sailing memory spaces under an RGB flag :-)

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Modern Memory Dump and Software Trace Analysis: Volumes 1-3

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

OpenTask to offer first 3 volumes of Memory Dump Analysis Anthology in one set:

The set is available exclusively from OpenTask e-Commerce web site starting from June. Individual volumes are also available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores worldwide.

Product information:

  • Title: Modern Memory Dump and Software Trace Analysis: Volumes 1-3
  • Author: Dmitry Vostokov
  • Language: English
  • Product Dimensions: 22.86 x 15.24
  • Paperback: 1600 pages
  • Publisher: Opentask (31 May 2010)
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-906717-99-5

Information about individual volumes:

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

Memory Dump and Software Trace Analysis Training and Seminars

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Plan to start providing training and seminars in my free time. If you are interested please answer these questions (you can either respond here in comments or use this form for private communication http://www.dumpanalysis.org/contact):

  • Are you interested in on-site training, prefer traveling or attending webinars?
  • Are you interested in software trace analysis as well?
  • What specific topics are you interested in?
  • What training level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) are you interested in? (please provide an example, if possible)

Additional topics of expertise that can be integrated into training include Source Code Reading and Analysis, Debugging, Windows Architecture, Device Drivers, Troubleshooting Tools Design and Implementation, Multithreading, Deep Down C and C++, x86 and x64 Assembly Language Reading.

Looking forward to your responses. Any suggestions are welcome.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.

The Korean Edition of Memory Dump Analysis Anthology, Volume 1

Monday, April 5th, 2010

I’m very pleased to announce that the Korean edition is available:

The book can be found on: 

- Dmitry Vostokov @ DumpAnalysis.org + TraceAnalysis.org -

Sponsored link: Professional Software Debugging Services

/* Malware and Software Defects -> Victimware.org */

Copyright © 2006 - 2012. This is a non-profit research and scientific project.