Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/p4nda0s/bin-deobf-skills --skill deobf-string- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads deobf-string automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Deobfuscate Strings
Prerequisites
Before starting analysis, check if IDA Pro MCP is connected. Use the MCP tool to verify the connection. If IDA Pro MCP is not available, inform the user:
IDA Pro MCP is not connected. Please open IDA Pro with the MCP plugin loaded and ensure the MCP server is running, then try again.
Workflow
Step 1: Identify Encrypted Strings
Analyze the user-provided code snippet or function to identify string encryption patterns:
- Look for byte arrays or data references that appear to be encrypted strings
- Identify the decryption routine (often called at string usage sites)
- Determine the encryption algorithm by reverse-engineering the decryption function
Common patterns:
- XOR with a single byte or key array
- Custom substitution ciphers
- RC4 or other stream ciphers
- Base64 + XOR combinations
- Stack-constructed strings with arithmetic transformations
Step 2: Analyze the Decryption Routine
Use IDA Pro MCP to:
- Decompile the decryption function
- Identify parameters: encrypted data pointer, length, key
- Determine the algorithm type and complexity
Step 3: Choose Decryption Strategy
Simple algorithms (pure computation, no external dependencies):
- Single-byte or multi-byte XOR
- ADD/SUB/ROT transformations
- Simple lookup tables
→ Write a standalone Python script to decrypt.
Complex algorithms (state-dependent, uses library functions, or too complex to reimplement):
- Custom crypto with many rounds
- Decryption depends on runtime state or global variables
- Algorithm is heavily obfuscated itself
→ Use Unicorn Engine to emulate the decryption function directly from the binary.
Step 4: Implement Decryption
Simple decryption (Python script):
def decrypt_string(enc_bytes, key):
# Example: XOR decryption
return bytes([b ^ key[i % len(key)] for i, b in enumerate(enc_bytes)])
Complex decryption (Unicorn emulation):
from unicorn import *
from unicorn.arm64_const import *
def emulate_decrypt(binary_path, func_addr, enc_data, enc_len, key_ptr):
with open(binary_path, 'rb') as f:
code = f.read()
mu = Uc(UC_ARCH_ARM64, UC_MODE_LITTLE_ENDIAN)
# Map code segment
mu.mem_map(base_addr, align(len(code)))
mu.mem_write(base_addr, code)
# Map stack
mu.mem_map(stack_base, stack_size)
mu.reg_write(UC_ARM64_REG_SP, stack_top)
# Set up arguments (AArch64 calling convention)
mu.reg_write(UC_ARM64_REG_X0, enc_data_addr)
mu.reg_write(UC_ARM64_REG_X1, enc_len)
mu.reg_write(UC_ARM64_REG_X2, key_addr)
# Emulate
mu.emu_start(func_addr, func_end)
# Read decrypted result
result = mu.mem_read(output_addr, enc_len)
return bytes(result)
Step 5: Output Results
After decryption, present results to the user:
- Display decrypted strings with their addresses in a table format:
Address | Decrypted String
-------------|------------------
0x00412000 | "Hello, World!"
0x00412020 | "/dev/null"
- Ask the user if they want to generate a patch file:
Decryption complete. Would you like me to write the results to a .patched file that replaces encrypted strings in the binary?
If yes, write a patched binary with encrypted bytes replaced by plaintext (null-terminated), saved as <original_name>.patched.
FAQ
What does the deobf-string skill do?
Decrypt and recover obfuscated strings from binaries by analyzing encryption patterns and generating decryption scripts
How do I install deobf-string?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/p4nda0s/bin-deobf-skills --skill deobf-string in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/deobf-string/ (personal) or .claude/skills/deobf-string/ (project).
Which AI agents can use deobf-string?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is deobf-string safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains deobf-string?
It is published by p4nda0s in p4nda0s/bin-deobf-skills. It has 100 recorded installs.
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