Several automated tools simplify this complex process by prepending a "loader stub" to your EXE that handles the necessary memory mapping at runtime.
: Convert the binary data into a C-style array (using tools like xxd ) for inclusion in a loader.
The EXE often requests a specific memory address to load into.
For those interested in learning more about converting executable files to shellcode, here are some additional resources: convert exe to shellcode
Donut does not actually convert the machine code inside your EXE to be position-independent. Instead, it creates a highly optimized, position-independent and appends your original EXE payload (often encrypted) to it. When the Donut payload is executed in memory:
Understanding Executable-to-Shellcode Conversion: Concepts, Tools, and Techniques
To understand why you cannot simply strip the headers off an EXE and run it as shellcode, you must first understand how the Windows operating system loads and executes applications. The Portable Executable (PE) Structure Several automated tools simplify this complex process by
Several open-source tools have been developed to automate the conversion of EXE files to shellcode. Each has its own strengths and specializations.
It cannot rely on the Windows OS loader to resolve its imports. It cannot use hardcoded absolute memory addresses.
: Avoid global variables and hardcoded memory addresses. Use the Instruction Pointer (RIP/EIP) for relative addressing. For those interested in learning more about converting
Donut encrypts the input payload using the Chacha20 cipher. It generates a small shellcode loader that decrypts the payload in memory, handles the PE loading mechanics, and executes it without touching the disk, effectively bypassing traditional signature-based AV/EDR solutions.
Access the Process Environment Block (PEB) using assembly instructions (e.g., reading the FS segment register in 32-bit or GS register in 64-bit Windows). The PEB contains linked lists of all modules loaded into the process.
Several trends are shaping the future of this technology: