The act of reverse-engineering the malicious program to understand the code that implements the software behavior. For example, when looking at compiled programs, the process involves using a disassembler, a debugger, and perhaps a decompiler to examine low-level assembly or byte-code instructions. A disassembler converts the the program's instructions from their binary form into the human-readable assembly form. A decompiler attempts to recreate the original source code of the program. A debugger allows the analyst to step through the code, interacting with it, and observing the effects of its instructions to understand its purpose. Source: CNSSI No. 1011
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The act of reverse-engineering the malicious program to understand the code that implements the software behavior. For example, when looking at compiled programs, the process involves using a disassembler, a debugger, and perhaps a decompiler to examine low-level assembly or byte-code instructions. A disassembler converts the the program's instructions from their binary form into the human-readable assembly form. A decompiler attempts to recreate the original source code of the program. A debugger allows the analyst to step through the code, interacting with it, and observing the effects of its instructions to understand its purpose. Source: CNSSI No. 1011
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Code Analysis. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/code-analysis
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