ghidra-function-analysis

name	ghidra-function-analysis
description	Analyze a target function through decompilation, xrefs, callers/callees, and supporting evidence. Use when a function has been identified as important and its real semantics need to be recovered.
aliases	["function-analysis","ghidra-decompile-analysis","xref-driven-analysis"]
category	Developer Tools
tags	["reverse-engineering","ghidra","decompiler","xrefs","callgraph","pcode"]
version	1.0.0
resolutionHints	["decompile a function","analyze xrefs and callers","understand function semantics"]
metadata	{"source":"evokore","derived_from":["GhidraMCP","ghidra-headless-mcp"]}

Ghidra Function Analysis

Recover semantics by correlating decompiler output with xrefs, control flow, strings, and surrounding call paths. Do not trust decompiler prose alone.

Workflow

1. Select the function by name or address.
2. Pull both decompiler output and low-level context:
   • disassembly
   • callers and callees
   • xrefs to and from
   • referenced strings and constants
   • surrounding graph edges or pcode if needed
3. Explain the function in terms of:
   • inputs
   • outputs
   • side effects
   • data structures touched
   • external APIs invoked
4. State what is still uncertain.
5. Decide whether the next step is renaming/retyping, graph expansion, or debugger confirmation.

Tool Families to Prefer

• ghidra_headless_decomp.function
• ghidra_headless_function.at or ghidra_headless_function.by_name
• ghidra_headless_function.callers
• ghidra_headless_function.callees
• ghidra_headless_reference.to
• ghidra_headless_reference.from
• ghidra_headless_pcode.function
• ghidra_headless_graph.*

GhidraMCP-style equivalents:

• decompile function
• disassemble function
• get xrefs to / from
• list strings

Evidence Rules

1. Confirm every semantic claim with at least one of:
   • API call evidence
   • xref pattern
   • string/constant evidence
   • control-flow structure
   • dynamic observation
2. Separate "confirmed behavior" from "best current hypothesis."
3. Mark any security-relevant branches, error paths, or anti-analysis checks explicitly.

Deliverable Format

• Function summary in 3-6 sentences
• Inputs / outputs / side effects
• Key evidence bullets
• Open questions
• Recommended next pivot