Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that generates a test suite for a software program. During operation, the system obtains a set of inputs for the software program and determines a coverage of the software program associated with the set of inputs. Next, the system determines a subset of the inputs which substantially provides the coverage of the software program. Finally, the system uses the subset of inputs as the test suite for the software program.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that restricts privileges for a target process in an operating system. During operation, the system receives a request from the target process to restrict the privileges. Next, the system executes a binary that processes the request using services provided by a kernel of the operating system.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes the operation of a disassembler. The system starts by generating a set of processor instructions. Next, the system validates the disassembler using each processor instruction from the set of processor instructions by obtaining an assembly representation for the processor instruction using the disassembler. The system then monitors an execution of the processor instruction on a processor operating in single-step mode to produce an execution result for the processor instruction, and determines a correctness of the disassembler by comparing the assembly representation for the processor instruction with the execution result for the processor instruction.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates coverage analysis in a software program. During operation, the system identifies a complex instruction in the software program. Next, the system generates a set of sub-instruction blocks that is functionally equivalent to the complex instruction. Finally, the system uses the sub-instruction blocks in place of the complex instruction during coverage analysis of the software program.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that tests a software program. During operation, the system traces a flow of tainted data through the software program during execution of the software program. Next, the system alters the flow by modifying an instruction within the software program. The system then monitors the behavior of the software program after modifying the instruction. Finally, the system analyzes a correctness of the software program based on the monitored behavior.