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Exploiting Compiler-Introduced Vulnerabilities in C: A Cross-Compiler and Cross-Architecture Analysis of Undefined Behavior
No full textCompilers are a critical component in generating secure software across engineering disciplines. However, languages like C that permit undefined behavior introduce a fundamental tension between the compiler’s interpretation of undefined behavior and the security of the generated code. This tension can result in security vulnerabilities that, from the programmer\u27s perspective, are ``created\u27\u27 by the compiler. The widespread use of these languages, combined with the complexity of modern optimizations and limited developer visibility into compiler behavior, makes these vulnerabilities both pervasive and difficult to detect.
Building on prior work, this thesis refines a dataset of C code snippets that exhibit Compiler-Introduced Security Bugs (CISB) to systematically explore how different compilers (Clang and GCC) and different target architectures (x86-64, ARMv8-A) generate security bugs based on undefined behavior. A detailed case study further demonstrates how an adversary could exploit binaries containing CISB depending on what compiler was used. This work provides insight into how compiler and software developers can bridge the security gap by highlighting specific instances and preconditions of undefined behavior where this divide breaks down
Recommendation to Implement an Offsite Design and Construction & Mass Timber Buildings Tech Elective
No full textThis project presents a proposal for a new upper division elective course in the Construction Management program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The course would focus on mass timber construction as well as prefabrication and modular construction which are quickly growing areas of the industry known for their sustainability, efficiency, and compatibility with modern construction methods. While mass timber and pre-fabrication content exists in some university programs around the country, Cal Poly’s CM curriculum lacks a course specifically designed to give students practical, construction focused instruction on these topics. To determine student interest, a survey was conducted among current CM students that were at least 2nd year students, and the results show strong support for considering the addition of such a course. A review of similar programs at other American universities is also included to help create a general base for the potential course’s development. The findings of this research support the introduction of a specialized course that reflects current industry trends and strengthens the program’s construction course offering
Skip the Grid: Giving the Gift of Renewable Energy to Children of Navajo Nation
No full textSkip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service learning project that is aimed at installing solar power as well as lighting and a refrigeration unit at the homes of children on the Navajo Reservation who are without electricity. The project has a large team of players with vital roles in making the effort a successful and rewarding trip. The team this year was comprised of 20 students from California Polytechnic State University representing 4of the university’s colleges, members of the educationally based non-profit Heart of America (HOA), community outreach professionals from the solar contractor SOLV energy, a contingent of representatives from Nextracker, and faculty members of Illinois State University who wish to start a Skip the Grid program at their institution in following years. The team partnered with the Chinle Unified School District #24 to identify families in need of electricity for their students as well as providing guides and liaisons to ensure installations at home sites ran smoothly. Over 4 days, March 24 through the 27th, 5 groups installed solar panels, lights, and refrigeration at 40 home sites. This project is a great cumulation of a Construction Management education as well as an embodiment of Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” attitude. This year\u27s team left the program in a proud spot, hoping to continue the tradition of service in years to come
Prefabrication of Custom Cat Condos for Son Care Foundation
No full textThis senior project involved the design and construction of four custom cat condos for the Son Care Foundation. The goal of the project was to enhance the quality of life for cats by creating safe, functional, and enriching enclosures. The process involved developing a conceptual design, coordinating with daycare center staff, refining the final design and materials list, procuring supplies, and executing the build. The final deliverables included four completed condos with individual and shared spaces for 8 to 12 cats in total. Throughout the project, valuable lessons were learned in planning, budgeting, construction techniques, and working with a real client. This hands-on project exemplifies how construction management skills can be used to benefit both professional development and the broader community
Analysis and Design of a Building with Inter-Story Seismic Isolation
No full textEarthquakes can cause considerable damage to buildings, and their unpredictability means engineers must often design for worst-case scenarios. The current goal of building design codes is to prevent collapse and loss of life during a seismic event. However, after a seismic event, even if the building did not collapse, enough damage can leave the building uninhabitable and need of extensive and costly repairs. Therefore, seismic mitigation techniques like base isolation systems have been widely implemented as a seismic design solution. An isolation system works to decouple the structure from the ground and laterally displaces it with a longer fundamental period compared to a traditional non-isolated building. This thesis explores placing the seismic isolation system at an intermediate height along the structure, known as inter-story seismic isolation. A case study where a building with inter-story seismic isolation is modeled and analyzed using a Nonlinear Time History Analysis (NTHA). A preliminary design, initial modal analysis, ground motion selection procedure, and a performance-based approach to designing the lead-rubber bearings (LRBs) are included. Furthermore, the building itself has a lower podium structure below the seismic isolation layer and an upper tower structure above the isolation layer. Results showed that the decoupling dynamic behavior of the tower from the podium resulted in displacements increasing from the bottom of the podium to the top of the podium but held constant throughout the tower. In addition, the force distributions showed that the force experienced decreased from the base of the podium to the top of the podium, and the same result was seen with the tower structure. The acceleration time histories revealed that the accelerations transmitted decreased from the top of the podium to the joint above the isolators. These results suggest that the isolation layer at an intermediate height is absorbing seismic energy, or dissipating energy, which is reducing the forces and accelerations transmitted through the building. The goal of this thesis is to create a guideline for the modeling, design, and analysis of a building with inter-story seismic isolation and to be used for further analysis in the dynamic behavior of these kinds of structures
