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

Define register storage class - computer programming, Define Register Stora...

Define Register Storage Class - computer programming? The Storage class register notify the compiler that the associated variables must be stored in high-speed memory register.

Describe run-time type identification, The ability to verify at run time th...

The ability to verify at run time the type of an object by using the typed operator or the dynamic_cast operator.

Compiler Design - Limit the Method Instructions, Raj is a newbie to the pro...

Raj is a newbie to the programming and while learning the programming language he came to know the following rules: · Each program must start with ''{'' and end with ''}''. Ã

Program to compute distance travelled by ball, Produce a pseudo code to be ...

Produce a pseudo code to be used for development compute and display some data on the bounces a ball will make when dropped from a given height. To simplify the problem, you ass

Write a function that computes the total interest charged, You are going to...

You are going to write a function that computes the total interest charged on a credit card before it is paid off. List all the inputs the function will need.

Write a program for coupon redemption, The video game machines at your loca...

The video game machines at your local arcade output coupons depending on how well you played the game, you can redeem 10 coupons for a candy bar, 6 coupons for .a medium soft drink

Common concepts of object oriented, Object Oriented Programming Paradigm: ...

Object Oriented Programming Paradigm: For OOP, Paradigm is a standard set.  The OOP will help to develop software in modules, which will be integrated later as a full packag

Amie, what happens when the following command is used? chmod u=rwx,go=r-x f...

what happens when the following command is used? chmod u=rwx,go=r-x foo

Give example of the for loop, The for Loop For loop is the controlled f...

The for Loop For loop is the controlled form of loop. The general format of this : for( initialize ; test ; update)                  {                     statements;

Do i require checking for null before delete p?, No. it's not required T...

No. it's not required The C++ language guarantees that delete p will do nothing if p is equivalent to NULL. As you might get the test backwards, and as most testing methodologie

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