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

Multiple constructor, Constructor public class ListNode {    //...

Constructor public class ListNode {    // package access members; List can access these directly private E data; // data for this node privateListNode nextNode; /

Input and output in c++, C++ improves on many of C's features and provides ...

C++ improves on many of C's features and provides object-oriented programming capabilities used for software production, quality and reusability. C++ was developed by Bjarne Strons

What is the difference among const char *mypointer &char *, What is the dif...

What is the difference among const char *myPointer and char *const myPointer?  A: Const char *myPointer is a non constant pointer to constant data; whereas char *const myPointer

Create a client program tracker, This project simulates an application call...

This project simulates an application called tracker for the Department of Transportation (DOT) in which highway traffic data is accumulated in real time using various sensing equi

Define the volatile keyword qualifiers in c language, Define the Volatile K...

Define the Volatile Keyword Qualifiers in C Language? The volatile keyword proceed as a data type qualifier and a volatile variable is for dynamic use. E.G. for data that is to

Function, Write a C++ program according to the following specifications 1. ...

Write a C++ program according to the following specifications 1. Display a brief description of the program. 2. Ask the user to specify the type of loading (end load, intermediate

Described access privileges in c++? what is the default , A: In C++ the acc...

A: In C++ the access privileges are public, private and protected. The default access level assigned to members of a class is private. Private members of any class are accessible o

Pebble merchant problem, Problem Description There is a pebble merchant. H...

Problem Description There is a pebble merchant. He sells the pebbles, that are used for shining the floor. His main duty is to take the length of the room’s sides. But he sometime

Explain different implementations of oop, Different implementations of OOP ...

Different implementations of OOP Object-oriented programming is not mainly concerned with the details of the program operation. Instead, it deals with the overall design of the

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