This blog aims to introduce our open-source Windows CE debugging client, designed to make it easier for researchers and developers to debug and analyze Windows CE applications.

Challenges in Debugging Windows CE Applications

When it comes to debugging Windows CE applications, two major challenges arose during our vulnerability research. Firstly, setting up an emulator/device and a Windows virtual machine capable of running older versions of Visual Studio was a significant hurdle. Secondly, debugging an executable without having its source code required us to patch-in a breakpoint into the tested application to enable debugging.

• Setting up an emulator/device and a Windows virtual machine capable of running older versions of Visual Studio was a significant hurdle.
• Patching-in a breakpoint into the tested application to enable debugging was another challenge.

Our research team has invested significant time in overcoming these challenges, and we are now proud to present our open-source Windows CE debugging client.

The Need for a Flexible and User-Friendly Debugger

As a legacy platform, Visual Studio is not only the primary development environment for Windows CE applications but also the main utility for application testing. However, as a vulnerability researcher, I found it challenging to set up an emulator/device and a Windows virtual machine capable of running older versions of Visual Studio. Moreover, debugging an executable without its source code was a significant pain point.

Our team decided to create a flexible and user-friendly debugger that would allow researchers and developers to debug and analyze Windows CE applications in a more accessible and efficient manner. The debugger is designed to utilize remote debugging protocols, making it possible to debug Windows CE applications from the comfort of your host machine.

Features of the Windows CE Debugging Client

The following are some key features of our open-source Windows CE debugging client:

1. Remote debugging protocol support: The client supports remote debugging protocols, allowing researchers and developers to debug Windows CE applications from their host machine.
2. Flexible and user-friendly interface: The client has a user-friendly interface that allows researchers and developers to easily configure and debug Windows CE applications.
3. Support for older versions of Visual Studio: The client supports older versions of Visual Studio, making it possible to debug Windows CE applications using these versions.
4. Dynamic analysis of Windows CE applications: The client allows researchers and developers to dynamically analyze Windows CE applications and test for security issues.

Benefits of Using the Windows CE Debugging Client

Using the Windows CE debugging client offers several benefits, including:

• Easy setup and configuration: The client allows researchers and developers to easily set up and configure their debugging environment.
• Flexible debugging options: The client provides flexible debugging options, making it possible to debug Windows CE applications using different versions of Visual Studio.
• Improved security analysis: The client enables researchers and developers to dynamically analyze Windows CE applications, improving the security analysis process.

Example Use Cases

The Windows CE debugging client can be used in a variety of scenarios, including:

1. Security researchers testing Windows CE applications for vulnerabilities.
2. Developers debugging Windows CE applications for development and testing purposes.
3. Researchers analyzing Windows CE applications for security analysis and penetration testing.

Conclusion

Our open-source Windows CE debugging client is designed to make it easier for researchers and developers to debug and analyze Windows CE applications. The client offers several benefits, including easy setup and configuration, flexible debugging options, and improved security analysis.

We invite you to download and use the debugger here. With this client, you will be able to unlock the power of Windows CE debugging and take your research and development to the next level.

“The Windows CE debugging client has revolutionized the way we approach Windows CE debugging. It’s a game-changer for security researchers and developers.”

The Windows CE debugging client is a powerful tool that will help researchers and developers to unlock the full potential of Windows CE applications.