XEXbin

XEXbin is a term used in software tooling to refer to utilities and libraries that work with XEX binaries, the executable format used by the Xbox 360. It is not a single software project but a category of tools and workflows for inspecting, extracting, and sometimes modifying XEX-based images.

XEX binaries are packaged executables used by Xbox 360 games and applications. They typically contain a header with metadata such as architecture and entry point, along with security or integrity information, followed by one or more sections that hold code, data, and resources. Accessing these binaries requires knowledge of the format and often cryptographic considerations.

Common capabilities of XEXbin tools include parsing and displaying header fields, listing and enumerating sections, verifying signatures or checksums, extracting raw or decrypted data, and exporting contents for analysis or archival purposes. Some tools may also support patching, reassembly, or conversion to other formats to facilitate analysis in emulation or development environments.

Usage and scope: XEXbin tooling is primarily of interest to researchers, homebrew developers, and archivists. It is used for reverse engineering, digital preservation, and interoperability studies. Legal and ethical considerations apply, particularly regarding intellectual property, licensing terms, and terms of service for the original software.

See also: XEX, Xbox 360 development, binary analysis, digital preservation.