Compiling techniques for hardening software programs against branching programming exploits

摘要

Technologies are provided in embodiments for using compiling techniques to harden software programs from branching exploits. One example includes program instructions for execution to obtain a first encoded instruction of a software program, the first encoded instruction including a first opcode in a first field to be performed when the first encoded instruction is executed, identify a vulnerable value in a second field within the first encoded instruction, where the vulnerable value includes a second opcode, determine that the first encoded instruction can be replaced with one or more alternative encoded instructions that do not contain the vulnerable value, and replace the first encoded instruction with the one or more alternative encoded instructions.