gdb-dashboard — authorized modular GDB interface

Last updated: · By the BinBench editorial team · Stars and releases checked via the GitHub API
For legal, authorized and educational use only. Only analyze software you own or have written permission to examine.
Quick answer

gdb-dashboard (cyrus-and/gdb-dashboard) is a modular Python visual interface for GDB. Tag v0.17.5 was the latest GitHub tag checked on 2026-10-24 (also packaged by Arch as 0.17.5). License is MIT. Debug only programs and cores you are authorized to examine.

On this page

Snapshot

FieldValue
LicenseMIT
Latest checkedv0.17.5
JobModular GDB dashboard panes (regs/source/stack/…)
Stars (order of magnitude)check live GitHub count
Peerspwndbg/GEF, GDB vs LLDB, edb

Allowed framing

  • Debugging your userspace programs under GDB with clearer panes.
  • Classroom demos of register/stack views on owned samples.
  • Preferring a thin dashboard over heavier GDB plugin suites.

Scope we will not cover

  • No exploit PoC cookbooks.
  • No kernel rootkit / anti-debug bypass cookbooks.
  • No attaching to third-party production processes without authorization.

Beginner path (authorized only)

  1. Install GDB with Python support from your distro or toolchain.
  2. Source the official dashboard (distro package or clone the tagged release) into an isolated .gdbinit you control.
  3. Practice on a tiny program you compiled; avoid loading untrusted cores on shared hosts.
  4. Optional Pygments improves syntax highlighting per distro notes.
  5. Compare with pwndbg/GEF if your lab later needs those plugin ecosystems.
Which to pick
  • Use gdb-dashboard for a light modular GDB TUI in authorized labs.
  • Prefer pwndbg/GEF when you need those fuller plugin stacks.
  • Refuse exploit-PoC framing.

For legal, authorized and educational use only.

FAQ

What is gdb-dashboard?

gdb-dashboard is a modular visual interface for GDB written in Python. It sources a .gdbinit-style dashboard that shows registers, source, stack and other panes while you debug.

Which version is cited?

v0.17.5 (tag on cyrus-and/gdb-dashboard; Arch packaged 0.17.5-1 with build date 2026-07-18 UTC). Re-check the tag and your distro package before pinning (checked 2026-10-24).

What license applies?

MIT License (upstream; Arch lists MIT; checked 2026-10-24).

pwndbg/GEF or gdb-dashboard?

Prefer pwndbg vs GEF when you want exploit-dev oriented GDB plugins in authorized CTF/lab settings those tools target. Prefer gdb-dashboard when you want a lighter modular dashboard without adopting a full pwndbg/GEF stack.

Does this teach writing exploits?

No. Authorized debugging and education only — BinBench will not supply exploit PoCs.

Sources