Functions and stack frame, C/C++ Programming

Assignment Help:

Each function has its own stack frame between %fp and %sp. Let Caller calls Callee. Then Caller's %sp becomes callee's %fp, and callee's %sp set to be a new value (a smaller one because stack grows from large address to small address). You can think that Callee's stack frame is on top of Caller's stack frame.

In Caller: put arguments in %o0 to %o5 registers or if number of arguments more than 6, prepare values in call linkage of the current stack frame. Then "call" address_of_callee; %o7 stored the returned address. (This %o7 will becomes %i7 in callee after the callee executes save instruction.)

In Callee: it executes "save" instruction:

  • 0. Caller's %i (input registers) and %l (local registers) are reserved in its own stack frame. They are put in the top portion of the caller's stack frame. Implication: the return address of Caller (NOT CALLEE), %i7, is stored there.
  • 1. set callee's %i (input registers) by callers %o (output registers). The implication: pass parameters and return address now is in %i7. And now callee's fp (%i6) <-- caller's sp (%o6).
  • 2. Allocate space for new frame pointers. Caller's sp (%o6) is now set to be the new value.

So at this point in callee, %i6 (%fp was caller's %o6) is set, and %o6 (%sp is set to be a new value). Question: where is the old %fp? It is stored somewhere in the top portion of the previous stack frame (see step 0.) The return address of Callee is stored in %i7. Is it possible to write a program to overflow this %i7? What return address that you really can overflow? Question: how to access that return address.

The "restore" instruction is the inverse function of save. Then the "ret" instruction should branch to %i7+8. The normal address should be %i7+4 as the next instruction address after call. The extra 4 is because sparc has a "branch delay" instruction that is executed BEFORE the call is made even it is put just after CALL. Is it strange. Not really. This is because modern CPU is a pipeline machine. It loads instruction every clock cycle, and branch (or jump or call) somewhat cannot be really done until the later stage the pipeline. And then it is already too late because the one JUST after this branch has already been executed. If you want to know more, you should take a look at computer architecture textbook which I think every graduate should know.

You should be very clear what return address in server.c is overflowed? Is it the return address of main() or the return address of copy()?


Related Discussions:- Functions and stack frame

Class and object, how to write c++ code for financial system using class an...

how to write c++ code for financial system using class and object

Program, write a class player that contains attributes for player name,avg ...

write a class player that contains attributes for player name,avg and team.write three functions to input,change and display these attributes.also write a constructor that asks for

Area under curve, write a program to find the area under curve y=f(x) betwe...

write a program to find the area under curve y=f(x) between x=a and x=b,integrate y=f(x) between the limits a and b

Luminous Jewels - The Polishing Game, Byteland county is very famous for lu...

Byteland county is very famous for luminous jewels. Luminous jewels are used in making beautiful necklaces. A necklace consists of various luminous jewels of particular colour. Nec

Program to convert fraction to decimal, Program to convert fraction to deci...

Program to convert fraction to decimal: int main() {                 float num, denom;     // numerator and denominator of fraction                 float value;

Assigment, C++ Programming Assignment ATM Machine Phase 1 In this assign...

C++ Programming Assignment ATM Machine Phase 1 In this assignment you will create a program that allows a user to do the following: 1) Create a bank account by supplying a use

Implement the c++ code in assembly language, Selecting Array Elements Imple...

Selecting Array Elements Implement the following C++ code in assembly language, using the block-structured .IF and .WHILE directives. Assume that all variables are 32-bit signed in

Assignment, Develop a C++ program that uses a while to determine the gross ...

Develop a C++ program that uses a while to determine the gross pay (in Dollars) for each of several employees. The company pays “straight-time” for the first 40 hours worked by ea

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd