execstack ☆

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Description:
Utility to set/clear/query executable stack bit

Type: Formula | Latest Version: 20130503@0 | Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: System utilities

Tags: elf binary security prelink system-utility debugging

Install: brew install execstack

About:
The execstack utility is a command-line tool designed to modify or inspect the executable stack flag in ELF binary files. It allows developers to set, clear, or query the stack permission bit, which is crucial for compatibility with older software on modern hardened systems. This tool is part of the prelink suite and helps resolve execution issues related to non-executable memory protection.

Key Features:

Set or clear the executable stack flag on ELF binaries
Query the current executable stack status of a file
Batch process multiple files for efficient system-wide updates
Integrates with prelink for comprehensive binary optimization

Use Cases:

Fixing segmentation faults on legacy applications that require an executable stack
Auditing and hardening system binaries to ensure non-executable stack compliance
Preparing binaries for distribution on systems with strict memory protection policies

Alternatives:

patchelf – More versatile for modifying ELF headers and RPATH, but less focused on the specific stack flag
readelf – Can display the stack flag status via headers but cannot modify it

License: GPL-2.0-or-later

Dependencies: elfutils

Bottles available for: arm64_linux, x86_64_linux

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 27, 2025 12:28am		0	VERSION_BUMP	45d3735b