Cookiecutter template for Binary Ninja Plugins

This Cookiecutter template helps you quickly set up a new Binary Ninja plugin project that is simple, structured, maintainable, and readable.

• Goals
  • Create a Binary Ninja plugin project that is:
    • Simple
    • Readable
    • Maintainable
• Non-Goals
  • Create a plugin that:
    • Does everything for you
    • Is overly complex
    • Serves as a comprehensive cheat sheet

Quick Start

1. Install cookiecutter

   # Recommended: Install with pipx
   pipx install cookiecutter
   
   # Alternative: Use pip
   python -m pip install cookiecutter

2. Generate your plugin project
   Choose one of the following methods for interactive generation:

   # Using Cookiecutter from remote GitHub repository
   pipx run cookiecutter gh:rand-tech/cookiecutter-binary-ninja-plugin
   
   # Using a local clone 
   git clone github.com/rand-tech/cookiecutter-binary-ninja-plugin
   cookiecutter ./cookiecutter-binary-ninja-plugin

   For non-interactive generation, use the --no-input option:

   Example:

   cookiecutter gh:rand-tech/cookiecutter-binary-ninja-plugin --no-input \
       plugin_type=helper \
       plugin_name="Artifact Sharing" \
       author_name="Your Name" \
       author_email="you@example.com" \
       description="Load/Export artifacts" \
       long_description="This plugin allows you to load and export artifacts to/from Binary Ninja." \
       version="0.1.0" \
       license="MIT" \
       minimum_binary_ninja_version="776"

3. Install your plugin
   Copy your new plugin directory to Binary Ninja's plugin folder:

   • macOS: ~/'Library/Application Support/Binary Ninja'/plugins/
   • Linux: ~/.binaryninja/plugins/
   • Windows: %APPDATA%\Binary Ninja\plugins\

4. Load you plugin

   1. Restart Binary Ninja to load your plugin.
   2. Verify that the plugin loaded successfully in the console.

5. Develop your plugin, making changes as needed.

Make changes to your plugin code as needed. Repeat steps 3-5 during development.

Development Tips

• Speed up restarts: Temporarily disable other plugins:

  BN_DISABLE_REPOSITORY_PLUGINS=True

• Enable IDE support: Install the Binary Ninja API:

  python3 /path/to/scripts/install_api.py

  For specific paths, refer to the Binary Ninja documentation.

  • macOS: /Applications/Binary Ninja.app/Contents/Resources/scripts/install_api.py

Submitting Your Plugin

When your plugin is ready, follow the official submission guidelines to add it to the Binary Ninja Plugin Manager.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter installation issues related to Binary Ninja, consult the official Binary Ninja documentation for up-to-date information on plugin directories and installation procedures.

Development Status

• Supported plugin types:
  • Helper
  • Binary View
  • UI (partial)
  • Architecture (partial)
  • Core
• Refactor and improve the template
  • Improve the project structure
• Support venv (pydantic)
  • Using venv (pydantic) is good if you are working on a single plugin for a long time. However, it is not a good solution for small plugins considering how Binary Ninja handles and executes plugins.
  • If using pydantic, set these Binary Ninja settings:
    • python.virtualenv /path/to/.venv/lib/python3.11/site-packages
    • python.binaryOverride /path/to/.venv/bin/python

Resources

• List of useful links
  • Writing Plugins - Vector 35
  • https://github.com/Vector35/official-plugins
  • https://github.com/Vector35/community-plugins
  • https://github.com/Vector35/binaryninja-api/tree/dev/python/examples
  • https://gist.github.com/alexander-hanel/ab801910e594ec60f07d7583873ddac0
  • Architecture Plugin Development
    • A Guide to Architecture Plugins (Part 1) - Vector 35
    • A Guide To Architecture Plugins (Part 2) - Vector 35
    • Leveraging Binary Ninja IL to Reverse a Custom ISA: Cracking the “Pot of Gold” 37C3 - Synacktiv
    • https://github.com/hgarrereyn?tab=repositories&q=bn-

Feedback and Contributions

This project is a work in progress. Your feedback and experiences are valuable:

• For issues or suggestions, please open an issue.
• Contributions via pull requests are welcome.

Thank you for your interest and support!