BAP — authorized Binary Analysis Platform
BAP (BinaryAnalysisPlatform/bap) is an OCaml binary analysis platform. Cite v2.5.0 as the latest stable GitHub/OPAM release, and note v2.6.0-alpha (2026-01-07 UTC) separately if you experiment with pre-releases. License is MIT. Analyze only programs you are authorized to examine.
Snapshot
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| License | MIT |
| Latest checked | Stable v2.5.0; pre-release v2.6.0-alpha (2026-01-07 UTC) |
| Job | Disassemble/lift binaries to BAP IR; plugin analysis |
| Stars (order of magnitude) | ~2.3k on GitHub (counts change daily) |
| Peers | angr, Manticore, Triton |
Allowed framing
- Lifting your lab binaries into BAP IR for coursework.
- Comparing IR-based workflows with Python symbolic stacks.
- Research pipelines your org owns end-to-end.
Scope we will not cover
- No exploit PoC cookbooks.
- No “auto-crack commercial protections” framing.
- No scanning third-party production hosts without authorization.
Beginner path (authorized only)
- Prefer an isolated OPAM switch or the Docker images upstream documents for your pin.
- Install from official BinaryAnalysisPlatform/bap Releases or OPAM
bap— do not confuse stable 2.5.0 with 2.6.0-alpha. - Start with a tiny binary you compiled; keep the BAP version string in notes.
- Pair with angr notes when classmates use Python stacks.
- Record architecture/plugin set beside case hashes.
- Use BAP when you want an OCaml IR/analysis platform in authorized labs.
- Prefer angr/Manticore for many Python-first symbolic workflows.
- Refuse exploit-PoC framing.
For legal, authorized and educational use only.
FAQ
What is BAP?
The Binary Analysis Platform (BAP) is an OCaml framework for disassembling and lifting binary code into a RISC-like intermediate representation for program analysis, with plugins for architectures such as x86, ARM, PowerPC and MIPS.
Which version is cited?
Stable GitHub Release v2.5.0 (2022-07-11 UTC) remains the latest non-prerelease; OPAM also lists bap 2.5.0. A v2.6.0-alpha pre-release appeared 2026-01-07 UTC — treat alphas as experimental and pin deliberately (checked 2026-10-24).
What license applies?
MIT License (GitHub SPDX MIT; checked 2026-10-24).
angr/Manticore or BAP?
Prefer angr or Manticore when you want Python-centric symbolic execution stacks. Prefer BAP when your lab already uses OCaml/OPAM and wants BAP's IR/plugin ecosystem.
Does this teach writing exploits?
No. Authorized research and education only — BinBench will not supply exploit PoCs or weaponization recipes.