MCPInstall

symbolic-execution-tools

Symbolic execution and constraint solving playbook. Use when solving CTF reversing challenges, recovering keys, bypassing checks, or automating binary analysis with angr, Z3, or Unicorn Engine.

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Install

Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.

npx skills add https://github.com/yaklang/hack-skills --skill symbolic-execution-tools
  1. 01

    Install

    Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.

  2. 02

    Describe the task

    Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads symbolic-execution-tools automatically when relevant.

  3. 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.

SKILL: Symbolic Execution Tools — Expert Analysis Playbook

AI LOAD INSTRUCTION: Expert symbolic execution techniques using angr, Z3, and Unicorn Engine. Covers CTF challenge automation, constraint solving patterns, function hooking, SimProcedure replacement, and emulation-based unpacking. Base models often produce broken angr scripts due to incorrect state initialization or missing hooks for libc functions.

0. RELATED ROUTING

  • anti-debugging-techniques when anti-debug checks need to be symbolically bypassed
  • code-obfuscation-deobfuscation when using symbolic execution for deobfuscation
  • vm-and-bytecode-reverse when applying angr to custom VM challenges

Advanced Reference

Also load ANGR_COOKBOOK.md when you need:

  • 15+ ready-to-use angr script patterns for common CTF challenges
  • Hook templates for scanf, printf, malloc, strcmp
  • Symbolic file input, stdin, argv patterns
  • Optimization tricks for path explosion management

When to use which tool

ScenarioBest ToolWhy
Pure math / equation systemZ3Direct constraint solving, no binary needed
Binary with control flowangrExplores paths, manages constraints automatically
Emulate specific code regionUnicornFast, no symbolic overhead, good for unpacking
Complex binary + custom VMangr + Unicorn (combo)angr for control flow, Unicorn for VM handlers
Kernel / firmware codeQilingFull system emulation with OS awareness

1. ANGR — CORE CONCEPTS

1.1 Pipeline

Project(binary)
  → Factory.entry_state() / blank_state(addr=)
    → SimulationManager(state)
      → explore(find=target, avoid=bad)
        → found[0].solver.eval(symbolic_var)

1.2 Essential Setup

import angr
import claripy

proj = angr.Project('./challenge', auto_load_libs=False)

# Entry state: start from program entry point
state = proj.factory.entry_state()

# Blank state: start from arbitrary address
state = proj.factory.blank_state(addr=0x401000)

# Full init state: with command-line args
state = proj.factory.full_init_state(args=['./challenge', arg1_sym])

simgr = proj.factory.simulation_manager(state)
simgr.explore(find=0x401234, avoid=[0x401300])

if simgr.found:
    found = simgr.found[0]
    solution = found.solver.eval(symbolic_input, cast_to=bytes)
    print(f"Solution: {solution}")

1.3 Symbolic Variables (claripy)

# Bitvector (fixed-size integer)
sym_input = claripy.BVS("input", 64)        # 64-bit symbolic
sym_byte = claripy.BVS("byte", 8)           # 8-bit symbolic
sym_buf = claripy.BVS("buffer", 8 * 32)     # 32-byte buffer

# Concrete bitvector
concrete = claripy.BVV(0x41, 8)             # concrete value 0x41

# Constraints
state.solver.add(sym_input > 0)
state.solver.add(sym_input < 100)
state.solver.add(sym_byte >= 0x20)           # printable ASCII
state.solver.add(sym_byte <= 0x7e)

# Evaluate
value = state.solver.eval(sym_input)
all_values = state.solver.eval_upto(sym_input, 10)  # up to 10 solutions

1.4 Symbolic stdin

flag_len = 32
sym_stdin = claripy.BVS("stdin", 8 * flag_len)

state = proj.factory.entry_state(stdin=sym_stdin)

# Constrain to printable ASCII
for i in range(flag_len):
    byte = sym_stdin.get_byte(i)
    state.solver.add(byte >= 0x20)
    state.solver.add(byte <= 0x7e)

1.5 Hooking Functions

# Hook by address (skip N bytes of original code)
@proj.hook(0x401100, length=5)
def skip_check(state):
    state.regs.eax = 1  # force success

# SimProcedure: replace library function
class MyStrcmp(angr.SimProcedure):
    def run(self, s1, s2):
        return claripy.If(
            self.state.memory.load(s1, 32) == self.state.memory.load(s2, 32),
            claripy.BVV(0, 32),
            claripy.BVV(1, 32)
        )

proj.hook_symbol('strcmp', MyStrcmp())

# Hook common problematic functions
proj.hook_symbol('printf', angr.SIM_PROCEDURES['libc']['printf']())
proj.hook_symbol('scanf', angr.SIM_PROCEDURES['libc']['scanf']())
proj.hook_symbol('puts', angr.SIM_PROCEDURES['libc']['puts']())

1.6 Memory Operations

# Read memory (symbolic-aware)
data = state.memory.load(addr, size)          # returns BV
data_concrete = state.solver.eval(data, cast_to=bytes)

# Write memory
state.memory.store(addr, claripy.BVV(0x41, 8))
state.memory.store(addr, sym_buf)

# Read/write registers
rax = state.regs.rax
state.regs.rdi = claripy.BVV(0x1000, 64)

2. Z3 CONSTRAINT SOLVING

2.1 Core API

from z3 import *

# Sorts
x = BitVec('x', 32)    # 32-bit bitvector
y = Int('y')             # arbitrary precision integer
b = Bool('b')            # boolean

# Solver
s = Solver()
s.add(x + y == 42)
s.add(x > 0)
s.add(y > 0)

if s.check() == sat:
    m = s.model()
    print(f"x = {m[x]}, y = {m[y]}")

2.2 Common CTF Patterns

# Serial key validation: each char satisfies constraints
key = [BitVec(f'k{i}', 8) for i in range(16)]
s = Solver()
for k in key:
    s.add(k >= 0x30, k <= 0x7a)  # alphanumeric-ish

# XOR key recovery
plaintext = b"known_plaintext"
ciphertext = b"\x12\x34..."
key_byte = BitVec('key', 8)
s = Solver()
for p, c in zip(plaintext, ciphertext):
    s.add(p ^ key_byte == c)

# System of linear equations (modular)
a, b, c = BitVecs('a b c', 32)
s = Solver()
s.add(3*a + 5*b + 7*c == 0x12345678)
s.add(2*a + 4*b + 6*c == 0xDEADBEEF)
s.add(a ^ b ^ c == 0xCAFEBABE)

2.3 Optimization

from z3 import Optimize

opt = Optimize()
x = BitVec('x', 32)
opt.add(x > 0)
opt.add(x < 1000)
opt.minimize(x)  # find smallest satisfying value
opt.check()
print(opt.model())

3. UNICORN ENGINE — CODE EMULATION

3.1 Basic Setup

from unicorn import *
from unicorn.x86_const import *
from capstone import Cs, CS_ARCH_X86, CS_MODE_64

mu = Uc(UC_ARCH_X86, UC_MODE_64)

CODE_ADDR = 0x400000
STACK_ADDR = 0x7fff0000
STACK_SIZE = 0x10000

mu.mem_map(CODE_ADDR, 0x10000)
mu.mem_map(STACK_ADDR, STACK_SIZE)

mu.mem_write(CODE_ADDR, code_bytes)
mu.reg_write(UC_X86_REG_RSP, STACK_ADDR + STACK_SIZE - 0x1000)
mu.reg_write(UC_X86_REG_RBP, STACK_ADDR + STACK_SIZE - 0x1000)

mu.emu_start(CODE_ADDR, CODE_ADDR + len(code_bytes))

result = mu.reg_read(UC_X86_REG_RAX)

3.2 Hooking Memory & Instructions

# Hook memory access
def hook_mem(uc, access, address, size, value, user_data):
    if access == UC_MEM_WRITE:
        print(f"Write {value:#x} to {address:#x}")
    elif access == UC_MEM_READ:
        print(f"Read from {address:#x}")

mu.hook_add(UC_HOOK_MEM_READ | UC_HOOK_MEM_WRITE, hook_mem)

# Hook specific instruction (for tracing)
def hook_code(uc, address, size, user_data):
    code = uc.mem_read(address, size)
    md = Cs(CS_ARCH_X86, CS_MODE_64)
    for insn in md.disasm(bytes(code), address):
        print(f"  {insn.address:#x}: {insn.mnemonic} {insn.op_str}")

mu.hook_add(UC_HOOK_CODE, hook_code)

3.3 Use Cases

Use CaseApproach
Unpack shellcodeMap shellcode, emulate, dump decoded payload
Decrypt stringsEmulate decryption function with controlled inputs
Brute-force short keysLoop emulation with different key inputs
Analyze obfuscated functionEmulate function, observe register/memory state
Firmware code emulationMap firmware memory layout, emulate routines

4. ANGR EXPLORATION STRATEGIES

4.1 find/avoid

simgr.explore(
    find=lambda s: b"Correct" in s.posix.dumps(1),   # stdout contains "Correct"
    avoid=lambda s: b"Wrong" in s.posix.dumps(1)      # avoid "Wrong" output
)

4.2 Managing Path Explosion

StrategyImplementation
Constrain input spaceAdd constraints (printable, length limits)
Avoid dead-end pathsUse avoid= for known failure addresses
Hook complex functionsReplace with simplified SimProcedure
Limit loop iterationsstate.options.add(angr.options.LAZY_SOLVES)
Use veritestingsimgr.explore(..., technique=angr.exploration_techniques.Veritesting())
DFS instead of BFSsimgr.use_technique(angr.exploration_techniques.DFS())
Timeout per pathsimgr.explore(..., num_find=1) + timeout wrapper

4.3 Concrete + Symbolic Hybrid

state = proj.factory.entry_state(
    add_options={angr.options.UNICORN}  # use Unicorn for concrete regions
)

This dramatically speeds up execution: concrete code runs natively via Unicorn, switching to symbolic only when symbolic variables are involved.


5. PRACTICAL WORKFLOW

5.1 CTF Binary Solving Workflow

1. Static analysis: identify input method, success/fail conditions
   └─ Find "Correct" / "Wrong" strings → get their xref addresses

2. Choose tool:
   ├─ Pure math (no binary needed) → Z3
   ├─ Small binary, clear success/fail → angr explore
   └─ Specific function to emulate → Unicorn

3. Set up symbolic input:
   ├─ stdin → claripy.BVS + entry_state(stdin=)
   ├─ argv → full_init_state(args=[...])
   ├─ file input → SimFile
   └─ specific memory → state.memory.store(addr, sym)

4. Hook problematic functions:
   ├─ printf/puts → SimProcedure or no-op
   ├─ scanf → custom handler
   ├─ time/random → return concrete value
   └─ anti-debug → skip entirely

5. Explore and extract:
   └─ simgr.explore(find=, avoid=) → solver.eval()

6. DECISION TREE

Need to solve a reversing challenge?
│
├─ Is the challenge pure math / equations?
│  └─ Yes → Z3
│     ├─ Linear equations → BitVec + Solver
│     ├─ Modular arithmetic → BitVec (natural mod 2^n)
│     ├─ Boolean logic → Bool + Solver
│     └─ Optimization → Optimize + minimize/maximize
│
├─ Is it a compiled binary with clear success/fail?
│  └─ Yes → angr
│     ├─ Input via stdin → symbolic stdin
│     ├─ Input via argv → full_init_state with symbolic args
│     ├─ Input via file → SimFile
│     ├─ Path explosion → add constraints, avoid paths, hook loops
│     └─ Complex library calls → hook with SimProcedure
│
├─ Need to emulate a specific function/region?
│  └─ Yes → Unicorn Engine
│     ├─ Decryption routine → map code + data, emulate, read result
│     ├─ Shellcode analysis → map shellcode, hook syscalls
│     └─ Key schedule → emulate with different inputs
│
├─ Need to analyze firmware / exotic arch?
│  └─ Yes → Qiling (full system emulation with OS support)
│
├─ Binary has VM protection?
│  └─ angr for handler analysis + Z3 for bytecode constraints
│
└─ None of the above working?
   ├─ Combine: Unicorn for concrete regions + Z3 for constraints
   ├─ Manual reverse engineering with debugger
   └─ Side-channel approach (timing, power analysis for hardware)

7. COMMON PITFALLS & FIXES

ProblemCauseFix
angr hangs foreverPath explosion in loopsAdd avoid= for loop-back edges, or hook the loop
Z3 returns unknownNon-linear constraints too complexSimplify, split into sub-problems, use set_param("timeout", 5000)
Unicorn crashes on syscallSyscall not handledHook syscall interrupt, handle or skip
angr wrong resultIncorrect state initializationVerify initial memory layout matches actual binary
Symbolic memory too largeUnbounded symbolic readsConcretize array indices where possible
SimProcedure wrong typesArgument type mismatchCheck calling convention (cdecl vs fastcall)
angr can't load binaryMissing librariesUse auto_load_libs=False + hook needed symbols

8. TOOL VERSIONS & INSTALLATION

# angr (Python 3.8+)
pip install angr

# Z3
pip install z3-solver

# Unicorn Engine
pip install unicorn

# Capstone (disassembly, pairs with Unicorn)
pip install capstone

# Keystone (assembly)
pip install keystone-engine

FAQ

What does the symbolic-execution-tools skill do?

Symbolic execution and constraint solving playbook. Use when solving CTF reversing challenges, recovering keys, bypassing checks, or automating binary analysis with angr, Z3, or Unicorn Engine.

How do I install symbolic-execution-tools?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/yaklang/hack-skills --skill symbolic-execution-tools 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/symbolic-execution-tools/ (personal) or .claude/skills/symbolic-execution-tools/ (project).

Which AI agents can use symbolic-execution-tools?

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 symbolic-execution-tools 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 symbolic-execution-tools?

It is published by yaklang in yaklang/hack-skills. It has 3,636 recorded installs.

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