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Asked: 2024-09-25T03:08:48+05:30 In:

What could be the reasons behind encountering an “exec format error” when attempting to run a binary file on Ubuntu?

I recently ran into an “exec format error” while trying to run a binary file on my Ubuntu system, and it’s driving me a bit nuts! I mean, I was expecting everything to just work out of the box, but instead, I got this frustrating error. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what’s going wrong. I figured it might be helpful to reach out and see if anyone else has had a similar experience and could shed some light on this.

From what I know, this error usually pops up when the executable isn’t compatible with the system architecture. Like, for instance, if I tried to run an ARM binary on an x86 system, that would definitely be a problem. But I double-checked that I downloaded the right version for my OS. So I’m scratching my head here. Could there be something else I’m missing?

Another thing I thought could be an issue is whether the file has the correct permissions set. I mean, maybe the execute bit isn’t set, or something like that? It’s so easy to overlook little details like that, especially when you’re knee-deep in troubleshooting. I did run `ls -l` and it looked okay, but who knows? Maybe I’m just being too trusting.

Also, I’ve heard people mention that certain file formats might not be supported. Like, if the binary file is stripped or compiled with the wrong toolchain or settings. I didn’t check how this file was compiled; I just assumed it was fine since it came from a reliable source. But could that really be a reason for this error?

It’s also possible that there’s something funky going on with my environment variables or libraries. I’ve made some recent updates, and I guess it’s worth questioning whether some shared libraries are missing, too. Anyway, if anyone’s dealt with this “exec format error” before and can throw some insight my way, I would REALLY appreciate it. Anything you can share about common pitfalls or things to check would be super helpful! Thanks!

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    2 Answers

    1. That “exec format error” can be super frustrating, right? It really stinks when you think everything’s going to work and then bam, error! You’re probably on the right track about it being an architecture issue. Like if you picked up an ARM binary for your x86 system, that would definitely throw a wrench in your plans. Double-checking the architecture is a smart move!

      And yeah, permissions are definitely a thing to look into. Sometimes the simplest things are the sneaky culprits. Running `ls -l` is a good idea, but make sure that ‘x’ is actually set for the user trying to run it. You might want to try running chmod +x yourfile just to be safe. Better to be sure than sorry!

      About the file format, you might be onto something there too. If the binary is compiled with a different toolchain or something weirdly specific, it could totally mess things up. If you have access to the source code, maybe consider compiling it yourself? That way, you would ensure it’s built with the right settings for your environment.

      Don’t overlook those environment variables and shared libraries either! It’s totally possible something got updated and something else is missing or misconfigured now. You could check the required libraries with ldd yourfile and see if anything’s showing up as “not found.” That could give you a clue if something’s missing.

      Honestly, troubleshooting these errors can feel like a labyrinth sometimes. Just keep plugging away, and definitely reach out if you discover anything new or if you keep hitting walls. Good luck!


    2. The “exec format error” you encountered is indeed a common issue that typically arises when there is a mismatch between the binary file and the system architecture. As you’ve rightly noted, running an ARM binary on an x86 system will result in this error. Although you verified that you downloaded the correct version for your OS, it’s important to double-check the architecture of the binary using the `file` command. This will tell you what type of binary you are dealing with. Additionally, if the binary is compiled for a different operating system (e.g., a Mac binary on Linux), you will also face similar errors. It’s crucial to ensure that not just the version, but also the architecture and platform compatibility are aligned for successful execution.

      Regarding permissions, you’ve made a valid point about the execute bit needing to be set. You can use `chmod +x filename` to add execute permissions if they’re missing. However, since you’ve confirmed the permissions with `ls -l`, that shouldn’t be the issue. Another aspect to consider is the binary’s integrity and structure; if it was stripped or depending on specific libraries that are not present in your environment, that could lead to this error as well. It might be worthwhile to check your environment variables and ensure that all necessary shared libraries are present. Additionally, consider compiling the binary from source based on your system’s specifications to rule out any compatibility issues stemming from the pre-compiled binary. Troubleshooting can be tedious, but careful examination and validation of these factors usually help in resolving such errors.


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