Enhanced Hook for Dynamic Library Version Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hook functions fail to unambiguously redirect function calls to multiple versions of identically named dynamically loaded libraries (DLLs) loaded into isolated process memory areas, leading to occasional and unpredictable errors due to incorrect destination address access.

Innovation Solution

An enhanced hook method is introduced that dynamically generates hook entry code to identify and redirect function calls, using a version identifier to ensure correct DLL selection among multiple versions, by pushing and exchanging return and target addresses on the stack, and utilizing an enhanced hook to interpret the version identifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of identically named DLLs are loaded into isolated process memory areas, then DLL compatibility and system evolution are improved, but hook function reliability deteriorates due to ambiguous destination address access

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDLL version compatibilityVSAvoidhook function reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an enhanced hook function that serves as an intermediary between the application and multiple DLL versions. This enhanced hook includes a version identifier interpretation mechanism that acts as a mediator to unambiguously select the correct DLL version, preventing the address confusion that occurs with traditional hooks when multiple DLL versions are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space of the hook function by incorporating version identifier interpretation. The enhanced hook function accepts and processes version identifiers as additional parameters, allowing it to distinguish between multiple DLL versions and select the appropriate target address, thereby resolving the ambiguity problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional hook functions are used with multiple DLL versions, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but error occurrence increases due to incorrect function redirection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehook implementation complexityVSAvoidfunction call accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The enhanced hook function segments the hooking process into distinct operations: version identifier provision, version identifier interpretation, and target address selection. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple DLL versions systematically while maintaining a unified hook interface, balancing complexity management with improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If identically named DLLs with different functionality are updated, then system evolution and improvement are enabled, but hook accuracy deteriorates due to ambiguous function access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem evolution capabilityVSAvoidfunction access accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The enhanced hook function serves as an intermediary that resolves the ambiguity between identically named functions in different DLL versions. By incorporating version identifier interpretation, the enhanced hook mediates between the application's function call and the correct DLL version's implementation, ensuring accurate function access despite identical naming conventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9274814B2Enhanced hook function for use with different versions of a dynamically loaded library

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 OMNISSA LLC

AI summary

A hooking system for hooking predetermined references to predetermined dynamically loaded library (DLL) functions includes a DLL version identifier provided by a hook entry code to an enhanced hook. The hook entry code is dynamically generated during runtime of an affected software application. The version identifier enables unambiguous communication of a single enhanced hook with functions of multiple versions of identically named DLLs loaded into the same isolated process memory area.