Binary Backdoor Detection Using Direct Code Graph Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to detect backdoors in binary software code inserted during the build process, as they rely on recreating source code from binaries, leading to inefficiencies and high false positives.

Innovation Solution

A method that leverages binary inspection and backdoor abstractions to classify potential backdoors, then backtracks to the source code to verify their presence, reducing false positives and enhancing detection speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If source code is recreated from binary software code for backdoor detection, then detection capability is achieved, but detection speed decreases and false positives increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackdoor detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of recreating source code from binary code to detect backdoors, the patent inverts the approach by directly analyzing binary code using static analysis techniques. The system extracts control flow graphs, data flow graphs, and call graphs directly from the binary, then applies backdoor detection algorithms to these extracted structures, eliminating the time-consuming source code recreation step while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts specific structural elements (control flow graphs, data flow graphs, call graphs) directly from the binary code that are most relevant for backdoor detection. By extracting only the necessary analytical structures rather than recreating entire source code, the system achieves efficient detection with reduced computational overhead and fewer false positives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If source code is recreated from binary software code for backdoor detection, then detection capability is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackdoor detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary extraction of control flow graphs, data flow graphs, and call graphs from the binary code before applying backdoor detection algorithms. This preliminary structuring of the binary code analysis prepares the data in advance in a format optimized for detection, eliminating the need for time-consuming source code recreation during the actual detection process and significantly reducing total detection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If binary code is directly analyzed without source code recreation, then detection speed improves, but detection precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidbackdoor detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different analysis techniques to different parts of the binary code structure. Control flow graphs are analyzed for execution path anomalies, data flow graphs for suspicious data transformations, and call graphs for unusual function invocation patterns. By tailoring the analysis approach to the specific structural characteristics of each extracted graph, the system maintains high detection precision while working directly with binary code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12536288B2Detecting backdoors in binary software code
Publication Date: 2026.01.27 BLACKBERRY UK
  • US12536288B2 patent drawing
  • US12536288B2 patent drawing
  • US12536288B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and software can be used to detect backdoors in binary software code. In some aspects, a method comprises: obtaining, by a server, binary software code corresponding to source code; generating, by the server, a backdoor abstraction of the binary software code; and generating, by the server, a backdoor risk assessment based on the backdoor abstraction of the binary software code.