How to Use the Command 'readpe' (with examples)

The readpe command is a valuable tool for analyzing Portable Executable (PE) files, which are the standard file format for executables, object code, and DLLs in Windows operating systems. This utility allows users to extract comprehensive details about the structure and contents of PE files, supporting software developers, security analysts, and reverse engineers in their tasks. The following examples illustrate how readpe can be used in various scenarios to extract and analyze PE file information.

Use case 1: Display all information about a PE file

Code:

readpe path/to/executable

Motivation: You may want to gain a holistic understanding of a PE file’s composition, including its headers, sections, imports, exports, and resources. This command provides a complete overview, beneficial in application debugging, reverse engineering, or when assessing potential security threats within an executable file.

Explanation:

• readpe: This is the command being executed to analyze the PE file.
• path/to/executable: This argument is the file path to the PE file you wish to analyze. It needs to be replaced with the actual path of the file.

Example Output:
The output displays a detailed dump of the PE file, including all relevant headers and section information. Expect to see various sections such as .text, .rdata, .data, and more, along with their attributes and size details.

Use case 2: Display all the headers present in a PE file

Code:

readpe --all-headers path/to/executable

Motivation: Understanding the headers of a PE file is crucial because they organize and delineate the structure of the file. This command specifically targets headers, supplying information vital for diagnosing anomalies or learning how a program is loaded by the operating system.

Explanation:

• --all-headers: This option tells readpe to focus solely on the headers of the PE file, such as DOS, PE, COFF, and Optional headers.
• path/to/executable: Identifies the PE file whose headers you are inspecting.

Example Output:
The output lists all available headers in verbose format, including their versions, sizes, timestamps, and other technical specifications.

Use case 3: Display all the sections present in a PE file

Code:

readpe --all-sections path/to/executable

Motivation: Sections of a PE file contain critical segments such as code, initialized data, and resources. Analyzing these sections helps developers verify layout and size specifications or perform security analyses to detect possible vulnerabilities.

Explanation:

• --all-sections: Directs readpe to output information specifically regarding the sections within the PE file.
• path/to/executable: Specifies the file whose sections are being queried.

Example Output:
You will see a breakdown of section names, virtual sizes, raw sizes, memory addresses, and attributes (e.g., executable, readable, writable).

Use case 4: Display a specific header from a PE file

Code:

readpe --header dos|coff|optional path/to/executable

Motivation: Focusing on a specific header provides clarity when troubleshooting or when certain headers need thorough investigation. For instance, security experts might concentrate on the optional header to inspect potential anomaly configurations.

Explanation:

• --header: The command indicates readpe to target a specific header.
• dos|coff|optional: These are specific types of headers; select the one you wish to examine (e.g., DOS, COFF, or Optional).
• path/to/executable: Points to the file whose specific header you’re interested in.

Example Output:
When selecting --header dos, for instance, details from the DOS header are printed, including magic numbers and relocation data.

Use case 5: List all imported functions

Code:

readpe --imports path/to/executable

Motivation: Imported functions list the external dependencies a PE file requires, which can be crucial in understanding how a program interacts with the operating system, other software modules, or when scrutinizing security risks inherent in external dependencies.

Explanation:

• --imports: This option requests readpe to print all imported functions that the PE file uses.
• path/to/executable: Points to the executable whose imports are being explored.

Example Output:
The output shows DLL names and the API functions imported by the executable, allowing users to identify external dependencies.

Use case 6: List all exported functions

Code:

readpe --exports path/to/executable

Motivation: For DLLs, understanding exported functions is essential as they define the interface external programs will use to interact with the DLL. This aids developers in refining the export list or understanding potential access points for interfacing with the library.

Explanation:

• --exports: Prompts readpe to list all functions that the PE file exports.
• path/to/executable: Designates the file from which exported functions are being listed.

Example Output:
A straightforward list of exported functions and their associated addresses is displayed, assisting in interface documentation and testing.

Conclusion:

The readpe utility is versatile and immensely powerful for anyone dealing with Windows executables. As evidenced by the various scenarios, it provides critical insights into file structure, dependencies, and functions. Whether your role involves software development, malware analysis, or system debugging, mastering readpe can considerably enhance your analytical capabilities with PE files.