GEF

GEF is a set of commands designed to assist exploit developers and reverse-engineers when using GDB. It supports multiple architectures including x86/64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, and SPARC, providing additional features via the Python API for dynamic analysis and exploit development. This tool lifts much of GDB's obscurity, avoiding repetitive traditional commands and highlighting relevant debugging runtime information.

Application developers also benefit from GEF, as it streamlines the debugging process. By enhancing GDB's usability, GEF makes it easier to analyze and develop exploits or debug applications without getting bogged down in standard GDB complexities.

GEF is particularly useful in cybersecurity contexts like reverse engineering and vulnerability exploitation, where precise control over debugging sessions is essential.

GEF extends the GNU Debugger (GDB) by integrating a set of Python-based commands that leverage GDB's Python API. It adds advanced visualization and analysis features tailored for exploit development and reverse engineering across supported architectures. At startup, GDB (via GEF) reads system-wide init files like /etc/gdb/gdbinit, enabling enhanced dynamic analysis without altering core GDB functionality.