TEST, PROTECTION, AND REPAIR THROUGH BINARY-CODE AUGMENTATION

A type mismatch problem in computer programs is said to occur when there is a mismatch between the form or classification of a value encountered during program execution and that anticipated by the program. A method for repairing or testing for many type mismatch problems in programs works by transforming a binary representation of the program into a new binary in which the problem is fixed or identified. The fix or identification is implemented by converting code that operates on variables that can suffer a mismatch into code that correctly accounts for or tests for the mismatch. Static or dynamic correlation methods, and/or control and data flow graphs are used to track certain values, to determine where to install patches and how to adjust branch, jump and procedure call references after patch installation has shifted the target references.