Reverse Engineering: Debugging a C++ Executable with x64dbg

May 13, 2026

Explore the step-by-step process of reverse engineering a simple C++ program. Learn how to identify the main entry point, set breakpoints, and analyze registers and memory using x64dbg.

Overview

In this video, we dive into the fascinating world of reverse engineering using x64dbg, a powerful debugger for Windows. We’ll analyze a basic C++ executable, identify its key functions, and understand how high-level code translates into assembly instructions.

Key Steps Covered

  1. Setting Up the Environment
  • Writing and compiling a simple C++ program (Project1.exe).
  • Identifying the source code’s logic (printing "Develiorate" and returning 0).
  • Loading the executable into x64dbg.
  1. Identifying the Main Entry Point
  • Understanding the initial entry point provided by the compiler vs. the main function.
  • Setting breakpoints on potential entry functions (push rbp).
  1. Analyzing Assembly and Registers
  • Stepping through the code using Step Over (F8) and Step Into (F7).
  • Observing how strings are loaded into memory and passed as parameters.
  • Analyzing register states (RAX, RDX, RCX) during function calls.
  1. Finding String References
  • Using the Search For -> All User Modules -> String References feature to locate hardcoded text within the binary.
  1. Debugging Techniques
  • Clearing and managing the debugger database for a clean start.
  • Using Run to User Code (Alt+F9) to bypass library overhead.
  • Managing multiple breakpoints to isolate the specific logic of interest.

Conclusion

By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to navigate a binary in x64dbg and pinpoint exactly where a program’s unique logic resides amidst the compiler-generated boilerplate.

Pro Tip: When looking for the main function in a C++ program compiled with GCC/MinGW, look for the push rbp instruction shortly after the initial entry point.

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