llvm-objdump — authorized object-file inspection

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

llvm-objdump is LLVM’s object-file dumper / disassembler CLI. The LLVM release llvmorg-23.1.4 (2026-10-20 UTC) was the latest checked on 2026-10-24. License is Apache-2.0 with LLVM Exceptions. Inspect only object files and images you are authorized to examine.

On this page

Snapshot

FieldValue
LicenseApache-2.0 with LLVM Exceptions
Latest checkedllvmorg-23.1.4 (2026-10-20 UTC)
JobHeaders, sections, symbols, relocs, disassembly
Stars (order of magnitude)LLVM monorepo ~41k (counts change daily)
PeersGNU objdump, Capstone, Zydis, LIEF

Allowed framing

  • Inspecting your build artifacts in CI or a lab VM.
  • Teaching object-file layout beside compiler/linker courses.
  • Quick disassembly triage before opening a full decompiler project.

Scope we will not cover

  • No exploit PoC cookbooks from dumps.
  • No DRM / license-check bypass recipes.
  • No scanning third-party production hosts without authorization.

Beginner path (authorized only)

  1. Install an official LLVM toolchain build or a distro package your policy allows; record llvm-objdump --version.
  2. Start with an object file you compiled (-d / section dumps per the command guide).
  3. Prefer LIEF when you need a structured parsing API instead of text dumps.
  4. For library-embedded disassembly, see Capstone/Zydis notes.
  5. Keep dumps next to binary SHA-256 values in case notes.
Which to pick
  • Use llvm-objdump when your lab already trusts the LLVM toolchain for object inspection.
  • Prefer Capstone/Zydis for embeddable disassembly APIs.
  • Refuse exploit-PoC framing.

For legal, authorized and educational use only.

FAQ

What is llvm-objdump?

llvm-objdump is LLVM's object-file dumper. It can display headers, sections, symbols, relocations, disassembly and selected debug-oriented views for object files and linked images, similar in spirit to GNU objdump but from the LLVM toolchain.

Which version is cited?

LLVM release llvmorg-23.1.4 published 2026-10-20 UTC on llvm/llvm-project Releases (latest checked 2026-10-24). Distro packages may lag — record the llvm-objdump --version string you actually run.

What license applies?

Apache License 2.0 with LLVM Exceptions (LLVM LICENSE.TXT). GitHub may show NOASSERTION for the monorepo SPDX field — read LICENSE.TXT in the tree you pin (checked 2026-10-24).

Capstone/Zydis or llvm-objdump?

Prefer Capstone or Zydis when you need an embeddable disassembly library. Prefer llvm-objdump when you already ship/use an LLVM toolchain and want a CLI dumper/disassembler.

Does this teach writing exploits from disassembly?

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

Sources