How to run c++ binary code from c# application

Question

I have a binary data from a c++ application that works. I want to run that specific binary code directly from my C# application.

I have this function that I got from internet:

 static void MemExe(byte[] buffer) { Assembly asm = Assembly.Load(buffer); if (asm.EntryPoint == null) throw new ApplicationException("No entry point found!"); MethodInfo ePoint = asm.EntryPoint; object ins = asm.CreateInstance(ePoint.Name); ePoint.Invoke(ins, null); }

It it works well with C# binary code, but if I try to open a C++ binary code it crashes.

The exception right here:

Additional information: Could not load file or assembly '5154816 bytes loaded Test, Version = 1.0.0.0, Culture = neutral, PublicKeyToken = null' or one of its dependencies. It was made an attempt to load program with an incorrect format.

I guess it is something related to the header? I am no expert...

Is it possible to run c++ binary in the same way that the function MemEx runs C# binary?

Thanks.

The assembly.Load() method or its overloads cannot load unmanaged libraries (e.g. C/C++ dlls). You need to use C#'s interoperability functionalities (e.g. DllImportAttribtute). Google for C/C++ interoprability/pinvoke for further information. — Farhan Nasim
– Farhan Nasim, Commented Oct 8, 2016 at 17:53
@f.nasim Thanks. But in that question I think the user is trying to execute a function that is inside the dll itself. I don't want that. I have a full application written in C++ that I want to run, but directly from its binary code. — bruxo00
– bruxo00, Commented Oct 8, 2016 at 18:09
@f.nasim And also, I need to decrypt the C++ application before running it. — bruxo00
– bruxo00, Commented Oct 8, 2016 at 18:12
@MichalHainc But I don't want to create any file to run it. I want to run it from the memory or inject the code in other process. — bruxo00
– bruxo00, Commented Oct 8, 2016 at 19:07

Anzurio · Accepted Answer · 2016-10-08 22:00:24Z

Assembly.Load(...) will only load .NET binaries.

If you want to have access to the API of binary other than .NET, you would want to use P/Invoke signatures.

If you want to run an executable, use System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(...).

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