CAPEC-190
Reverse Engineer an Executable to Expose Assumed Hidden Functionality
An attacker analyzes a binary file or executable for the purpose of discovering the structure, function, and possibly source-code of the file by using a variety of analysis techniques to effectively determine how the software functions and operates. This type of analysis is also referred to as Reverse Code Engineering, as techniques exist for extracting source code from an executable. Several techniques are often employed for this purpose, both black box and white box. The use of computer bus analyzers and packet sniffers allows the binary to be studied at a level of interactions with its computing environment, such as a host OS, inter-process communication, and/or network communication. This type of analysis falls into the 'black box' category because it involves behavioral analysis of the software without reference to source code, object code, or protocol specifications.
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Explain the attack pattern CAPEC-190: Reverse Engineer an Executable to Expose Assumed Hidden Functionality: how it unfolds, what it needs and how to prevent and detect it in my systems. Use https://capec.mitre.org/data/definitions/190.html and https://cve.bz/cve/capec/190?via=ask-ai-copy, which lists recent CVEs with the weaknesses it exploits. Cite the sources.Opens a third-party assistant; its answer is its own, not cve.bz's. The prompt holds only this attack pattern's id and public links.
Resources required
Access to the target file such that it can be analyzed with the appropriate tools. A range of tools suitable for analyzing an executable or its operations
Weaknesses it exploits
- CWE-912 Hidden Functionality
Recent CVEs with these weaknesses
- 6.1CVE-2026-112169
Magistra software contains undocumented backdoor functionality that allows authentication bypass and the creation of a privileged user account without credential verification.
- 8.9CVE-2026-118579
A weakness has been identified in D-Link DIR-505 1.10B02. The impacted element is the function main of the file /secmark1524.cgi of the component Web Management CGI. This manipulation of the argument accu/pass/code/hash/cmds causes backdoo…
- 7.0CVE-2026-114353
Hidden functionality (undocumented backdoor) in the root-privileged 'assistant' daemon in DJI CrystalSky ZS600C firmware v0.3.9.7 through v0.6.6.9 on Android allows a physically-present attacker with USB access to execute arbitrary OS comm…
- 8.6CVE-2026-97627
Hidden functionality issue exists in Multiple DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) provided by Atsumi Electric Co., Ltd. A user who can log in to the product with the administrator privilege may execute arbitrary OS commands.
- 6.9CVE-2026-100737
Hidden functionality issue exists in Multiple DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) provided by Atsumi Electric Co., Ltd. A user who can log in to the product with the administrator privilege may upgrade the affected product to unauthorized firmw…
- 7.4CVE-2026-112360
A security vulnerability has been detected in Netis EAP930 1.250905.115454. This issue affects the function return200 of the file /cgi-bin/debug of the component CGI Endpoint. The manipulation of the argument SIGNATURE leads to backdoor. T…
- 9.3CVE-2026-82829
Hitachi Coding Software Suite contains a vulnerability related to Hidden Functionality vulnerability which allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access by exploiting hidden accounts or hard coded credentials. This issue affects Hitachi…
- 8.7CVE-2026-80217
Hidden functionality issue exists in FF-RFI079I4 and FF-RFI078I4, which may allow a user who can log in via SSH and access the enable mode on the product to execute arbitrary OS commands.
The newest records naming one of them. Each weakness's page lists them all.
Related attack patterns
- Part of
- CAPEC-167 White Box Reverse Engineering
MITRE's words, unchanged: CAPEC-190 at MITRE. CAPEC is Copyright © 2007–2026, The MITRE Corporation, used under the CAPEC terms of use: “The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) hereby grants you a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC™) for research, development, and commercial purposes. Any copy you make for such purposes is authorized provided that you reproduce MITRE’s copyright designation and this license in any such copy.” CAPEC and the CAPEC logo are trademarks of The MITRE Corporation. Credits. All attack patterns.