__declspec(dllexport) int Add(int a, int b) return a + b;
Disassembly is the process of translating binary machine code into symbolic assembly language. For DLLs, this involves reconstructing logic without a predefined execution start point. 2. Architectural Differences: DLL vs. EXE | Feature | EXE | DLL | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Entry Point | WinMain or main | DllMain (called on attach/detach) | | Base Address | Fixed (e.g., 0x400000 ) | Relocatable (ASLR preferred) | | Export Table | Optional (for resources) | Mandatory (exposed functions) | | Execution | Standalone | Hosted by a process (e.g., rundll32.exe ) | disassembly dll
Author: AI Research Division Date: April 14, 2026 Abstract Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) are fundamental to the Windows operating system, promoting code reuse and modularity. However, from a security research and malware analysis perspective, DLLs are black boxes containing executable logic. This paper explores the technical process of disassembling DLLs—converting machine code back into human-readable assembly language. We examine the structural differences between DLLs and standard executables (EXEs), the tooling required (IDA Pro, Ghidra, x64dbg), and the specific challenges posed by position-independent code, relocations, and export tables. 1. Introduction A DLL is a library of functions and resources that can be called by multiple applications simultaneously. Unlike a standard EXE, a DLL cannot be executed directly (it lacks an entry point like WinMain ). To analyze a DLL’s behavior—whether for vulnerability research, malware analysis, or legacy software maintenance—an analyst must disassemble it. __declspec(dllexport) int Add(int a, int b) return a