Avatar² vs JEB

Avatar² is a free Python framework for dynamic analysis of embedded-device firmware. It coordinates targets, memory layouts and execution plans so firmware execution can be divided across multiple targets. Targets communicate through protocols with emulators, analysis frameworks or physical devices. The handbook documents GDB, OpenOCD, J-Link, QEMU and PANDA targets. OpenOCDTarget connects to physical targets over JTAG, while JLinkTarget supports SWD and JTAG. PANDA support includes recording and replaying execution and managing analysis plugins. Memory layouts define regions and rules for forwarding reads and writes between targets. The project documents installation through pip, from source or in Docker, where QEMU and PANDA are the defaults. It lists Linux support and ARM Cortex-M3 and x86-64 architectures. The README provides target build scripts for Ubuntu 20.04; other distributions are not officially supported, though they may work with modifications. The project uses the Apache-2.0 license and is maintained by EURECOM's Software and System Security Group. Maintainers direct users to a public mailing list and an invite-based Slack community.

JEB is a reverse-engineering platform for disassembly, decompilation, debugging, and analysis of code and document files. Its Android tools support static and dynamic app analysis, including multi-dex decompilation, resource reconstruction, and debugging of Dalvik and native code. Other modules address Intel x86 and x86-64, ARM, MIPS, RISC-V, WebAssembly, Ethereum contracts, Siemens S7 PLC programs, and PDF documents. Python or Java scripts and plugins can automate analysis, including through headless front ends. The GUI runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS for x64 and arm64 systems and requires JDK 21 or above. JEB Community Edition is free and described as suitable for researchers, students, hobbyists, and nonprofit reverse engineers; its listed plan covers x86 and x86-64 decompilation. The separate demo restricts decompilation, disables project saving and loading and clipboard use, limits session time, and requires an internet connection. Paid plans include Android modules from $140 per user per month and JEB Pro from $2,000 per user per year. PNF Software was founded in 2013 and is based in Silicon Valley, California.