# A Cognitive Approach to Improving Binary Reverse Engineering with Immersive Virtual Reality

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.13100 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.13100/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 19 Sep 2024.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Large Language Models as Visualization Agents for Immersive Binary Reverse Engineering](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.13413/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Through its affordances, immersive virtual reality (VR) offers a means to apply embodied and external cognition from the physical realm to solving analytical problems that are typically only conceptual. We present an example of executing a structured analysis following the tenets of cognitive systems engineering to derive immersive affordances applicable to a difficult analytical problem, in our case, reverse engineering (RE) binary programs. We conducted a basic cognitive task analysis of the problem to reveal features of its cognitive model and their associated fundamental cognitive phenomena, and then we mapped those concepts to immersive affordances associated with those concepts. We implemented a subset of those affordances in a VR system facilitating discovery of features of a binary program. Feedback from RE practitioners drove the initial development of the system and we are preparing for a formal effectiveness study to inform the direction of future research.