Method for semantic preserving transform mutation discovery and vetting

Abstract

A method for validating software transforms. A target program binary is mutated, producing a plurality of variants. It is determined whether each variant passes a test suite. Upon determining the variant does not pass the test suite, the variant is discarded. Upon determining the variant passes the test suite, the variant is compared to the target program binary. A candidate transform is extracted which meets scope criteria. The candidate transform is applied to each of a plurality of test programs. It is determined whether the candidate transform is safe. Upon determining that the candidate transform is not safe, the candidate transform is discarded. Upon determining that the candidate transform is safe, the candidate transform is collected.