Cutter
Free and open-source reverse engineering platform powered by Radare2.
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What is Cutter?
Cutter is a multi-platform reverse engineering tool designed to provide advanced capabilities for analyzing and modifying binary files. Developed as a free and open-source platform, it caters to reverse engineers, security researchers, and developers who need to dissect compiled code, debug programs, and manipulate binaries. The tool addresses the challenge of reverse engineering by integrating core functionalities from Rizin, a powerful reverse engineering framework, with additional features like a decompiler, hex editor, and scripting support. Its primary purpose is to streamline the process of understanding software behavior, identifying vulnerabilities, and creating custom analysis workflows. By leveraging the GPLv3 license, Cutter ensures transparency and community-driven development, making it a go-to tool for those requiring deep insights into software structures without proprietary constraints. Cutter’s design prioritizes flexibility and extensibility, allowing users to customize their workflow through plugins, Python scripting, and theme customization. The integration of Ghidra’s decompiler eliminates the need for Java-based environments, while the graph view and disassembly tools enable detailed analysis of code flow. Its beta debugger supports dynamic analysis across platforms, and the hex editor allows direct modification of binary data. These features collectively solve the problem of complex reverse engineering tasks by providing a unified interface for static and dynamic analysis, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools.
How it works
Cutter is an open-source reverse engineering platform built on Rizin, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for analyzing compiled binaries. It is designed for professionals who need to deconstruct software, debug programs, and modify machine code. The tool emphasizes usability while maintaining advanced capabilities, making it suitable for both expert users and those transitioning into reverse engineering. Its primary purpose is to simplify the reverse engineering process by integrating core functionalities like disassembly, decompilation, and debugging into a single interface. Cutter’s emphasis on open-source development ensures that users can inspect, modify, and extend its features, fostering a collaborative environment for security research and software analysis. Cutter provides a native Ghidra decompiler for static analysis, a graph view for visualizing code flow, and a hex editor for direct binary manipulation. It supports Python scripting for automation, plugins for extending functionality, and binary patching to modify instructions. The integrated debugger (beta) enables dynamic analysis across platforms, while multiple themes (light, dark, etc.) enhance user experience. These capabilities allow users to perform tasks like malware analysis, firmware reverse engineering, and software debugging efficiently.
How to use it
- 1Install Rizin and Cutter via package managers or source code. 2. Launch Cutter and load a binary file using the file menu. 3. Use the disassembly view to analyze code, or switch to the graph view for flow visualization. 4. Apply the Ghidra decompiler to convert assembly to higher-level pseudocode. 5. Use Python scripts or plugins to automate repetitive tasks like pattern searching or memory analysis. Practical tips include customizing themes for readability, leveraging plugins for extended functionality, and utilizing the terminal for advanced command-line operations. For debugging, configure remote or native targets through the integrated debugger settings.
What it can do
- reverse engineering GUI
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/rizinorg/cutter
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- For authorized use only — use on systems you own or have explicit permission to test.
- The debugger is in beta, limiting real-time dynamic analysis capabilities
- Requires proficiency in reverse engineering concepts for optimal use
- Dependent on Rizin’s feature set, which may lack some advanced tools
- Limited documentation for niche plugins or scripting scenarios
Understanding the result
Free and open-source reverse engineering platform powered by Radare2.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (rizinorg/cutter)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with rizinorg/cutter. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Cutter and who is it intended for?
Cutter is a multi-platform reverse engineering tool built on Rizin, designed for reverse engineers, security researchers, and developers analyzing compiled binaries. It provides features like disassembly, decompilation, and debugging to help users understand software behavior. While it caters to experts, its open-source nature and extensibility make it accessible to intermediate users with reverse engineering interests.
How does Cutter integrate with Ghidra's decompiler?
Cutter natively integrates Ghidra’s decompiler, eliminating the need for Java-based environments. This allows users to decompile binaries directly within Cutter’s interface, converting assembly code into higher-level pseudocode. The integration streamlines static analysis by providing detailed symbol information and control flow graphs, enhancing the reverse engineering workflow without external dependencies.
How can I automate tasks in Cutter?
Automate tasks in Cutter using its Python scripting engine. For example, write a Python script to search for specific byte patterns in a binary: import cutter; c = cutter.open('target.bin'); for addr, inst in c.disasm: if 'jmp' in inst: print(addr). Save this script as a .py file and run it through Cutter’s integrated terminal for automated analysis.
How does Cutter compare to IDA Pro or Ghidra?
Cutter differs from IDA Pro and Ghidra by combining Rizin’s lightweight architecture with a GUI interface. Unlike IDA Pro’s proprietary model, Cutter is open-source and extensible via plugins. Compared to Ghidra, Cutter offers a more streamlined interface for dynamic analysis and scripting, though Ghidra provides deeper Java-based analysis tools. Each tool has unique strengths, with Cutter emphasizing flexibility and community-driven development.
How do I resolve a 'Segmentation Fault' when using the debugger?
A segmentation fault in Cutter’s debugger typically indicates an invalid memory access. Check if the target binary is compatible with the debugger’s architecture. Ensure the binary is not corrupted, and verify that all dependencies are correctly installed. If using remote debugging, confirm network settings and firewall rules. Reinstalling Cutter or updating Rizin may also resolve underlying library conflicts.