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

Develop a windows application to show computer hardware, - But with less fe...

- But with less features and more user-friendly (particularly for non-tech savvy users). - Software needed having a left menu with links (no pictures required) for every hardwar

Sizeof() operator, What is the specialty in sizeof() operator

What is the specialty in sizeof() operator

C program for the no are in ascending order , #include stdio.h> #include...

#include stdio.h> #include conio.h> #include string.h> void main() {           int i=0,j=0,k=0,l=0;           int a[3][3],temp[3][3];           clrscr();

Program that print the number of hops, You are working for a computer gamin...

You are working for a computer gaming company and have been asked to look at a survival game.  You will be simulating a rabbit stranded on an island, collecting a large number of s

C program to display a rectangle, Aim: To implement a program to display a...

Aim: To implement a program to display a rectangle, circle and triangle. Code:                       class shape {             public:                         vir

FlipFlaps fltk project, The project is to design and write a C++11/FLTKgame...

The project is to design and write a C++11/FLTKgame program with a graphical user interface.The game is based on "pancake sorting," as described at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P

How can one "reopen" std::cin & std::cout in binary mode?, A: It is impleme...

A: It is implementation dependent. Verify with your compiler's documentation. For instance, assume you wish to do binary I/O using std::cin & std::cout. Unluckily there is no st

Define the int data type of c language, Define the Int Data Type of C Langu...

Define the Int Data Type of C Language? The int is used to define integer numbers. The Integers are whole numbers with a range of values supported by a particular machine and t

Algorithme, algorithm to find whether a given number is prime number or not...

algorithm to find whether a given number is prime number or not? using pseudo code and flowchart

Loops, how to make a diamond from steric

how to make a diamond from steric

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