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Alias

Uncover the true identity of any executable.

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Inspiration

Many people download executable files from the internet without fully understanding what those programs will do once they are opened.
While antivirus software can warn users that a file may be unsafe, it often provides little explanation, leaving users confused or unsure whether the warning should be trusted.

We wanted to build a tool that focuses on clarity and understanding.
Instead of only labeling files as safe or unsafe, our goal was to show users what a program actually does before it runs.

This idea led to the creation of our decompiler-based analysis tool.

What It Does

Our project analyzes executable files using a decompiler and presents the results in a simple and understandable way.

When a user uploads a file, the system:

  • Processes the executable using a decompiler
  • Extracts readable code, strings, and key program information
  • Identifies behaviors such as network access or file modification
  • Generates a clear explanation of what the program appears to do

The final output includes a verdict — safe, suspicious, or potentially unsafe — along with a short explanation that helps users make an informed decision.

How We Built It

The project was built as a full-stack web application:

  • Frontend: Next.js interface for uploading files and viewing results
  • Backend: FastAPI server that manages file analysis
  • Decompiler: Used in headless mode to extract readable program information
  • Analysis Layer: Summarizes program behavior in plain English
  • Infrastructure: Docker for consistent development and testing

Our focus was on making the system reliable, easy to use, and understandable for non-technical users.

Challenges

We encountered several challenges during development:

  • Setting up the decompiler and ensuring it ran correctly across environments
  • Handling large executable files without freezing the interface
  • Displaying long-running analysis progress to the user
  • Coordinating frontend and backend development within a short timeframe

Overcoming these challenges required careful planning and strong teamwork.

Accomplishments

By the end of the hackathon, we successfully built:

  • A working decompiler-based analysis pipeline
  • A clean and intuitive user interface
  • Clear explanations instead of confusing security warnings
  • A system capable of analyzing real executable files

What We Learned

Through this project, we learned:

  • How executable files are structured and analyzed
  • How decompilers can be integrated into web applications
  • How to manage large collaborative projects using Git
  • The importance of presenting technical results in simple language

Future Improvements

In the future, we would like to expand the project by:

  • Adding browser-based scanning for downloaded files
  • Improving performance for larger binaries
  • Supporting additional file formats
  • Enhancing the clarity and accuracy of analysis explanations

Our goal is to help users better understand the software they run, making everyday computing safer and more transparent.

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