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

Explain polymorphism, Polymorphism C++ supports this idea - that differ...

Polymorphism C++ supports this idea - that different objects do "the right thing "- by function polymorphism and class polymorphism. Poly means many, while morph means form.

#title.need help finising a pseudo code, I have to make a program that allo...

I have to make a program that allow the user input 10 numbers between 10 and 100 and if the number input is the same than the last number, should appear an error message. I have th

Palindrome, A palindrome is a string that reads the same from both the ends...

A palindrome is a string that reads the same from both the ends. Given a string S convert it to a palindrome by doing character replacement. Your task is to convert S to palindrome

We want database development, Presently we are using several spreadsheets t...

Presently we are using several spreadsheets to give weekly activity and income reports. Much of the information is being frequently re-keyed into several spreadsheets - we are look

Define statements to define the constants, the problem description. The ...

the problem description. The order of the C Program should be as follows: Variables and constants Use #define statements to define the constants. Use arr

Luminous Jewels, Jewels can only be removed for polishing from either end o...

Jewels can only be removed for polishing from either end of the necklace

Minimumshelf, At a shop of marbles, packs of marbles are prepared. Packets ...

At a shop of marbles, packs of marbles are prepared. Packets are named A, B, C, D, E …….. All packets are kept in a VERTICAL SHELF in random order. Any numbers of packets with thes

Mathematical statements, Mathematical Statements and assignments    Wi...

Mathematical Statements and assignments    Within C we can directly load up the variable from within the program using the mathematical expression equates (=) e.g.   a= 'h'

Discuss polymorphism in c++, Problem 1. Discuss polymorphism in c++. ...

Problem 1. Discuss polymorphism in c++. Explaining Polymorphism 2. Write a program in c++ to read a 3X2 matrix and find smallest number in that matrix. Writin

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