Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Computer object code obfuscation using boot installation
- Patent Title (中): 使用引导安装的计算机对象代码模糊
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Application No.: US12047207Application Date: 2008-03-12
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Publication No.: US08176337B2Publication Date: 2012-05-08
- Inventor: Mathieu Ciet , Julien Lerouge , Augustin J. Farrugia
- Applicant: Mathieu Ciet , Julien Lerouge , Augustin J. Farrugia
- Applicant Address: US CA Cupertino
- Assignee: Apple Inc.
- Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
- Current Assignee Address: US CA Cupertino
- Agency: Morrison & Foerster LLP
- Main IPC: G06F12/14
- IPC: G06F12/14 ; G06F9/45 ; G06F11/00

Abstract:
In the field of computer software, obfuscation techniques for enhancing software security are applied to compiled (object) software code. The obfuscation results here in different versions (instances) of the obfuscated code being provided to different installations (recipient computing devices). The complementary code execution uses a boot loader or boot installer-type program at each installation which contains the requisite logic. Typically, the obfuscation results in a different instance of the obfuscated code for each intended installation (recipient) but each instance being semantically equivalent to the others. This is accomplished in one version by generating a random value or other parameter during the obfuscation process, and using the value to select a particular version of the obfuscating process, and then communicating the value along with boot loader or installer program software. This boot loader then selects which particular process to use for the code execution at the time of installation in accordance with the value. This results in different versions of the obfuscated code being provided to each recipient installation, which further enhances security of the code against reverse engineering by hackers.
Public/Granted literature
- US20090235089A1 COMPUTER OBJECT CODE OBFUSCATION USING BOOT INSTALLATION Public/Granted day:2009-09-17
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