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What does the .rdata section include in a Portable Executable format?

  1. Resource files utilized by the executable

  2. Configuration settings for the application

  3. Import and export data for program operation

  4. Executable code instructions

The correct answer is: Import and export data for program operation

The .rdata section in a Portable Executable (PE) format primarily includes import and export data that the program relies on for its operation. This section contains information about the functions and variables that are imported from other modules (like DLLs) as well as those that are made available for other modules to use. This is crucial for the dynamic linking of libraries, allowing executables to utilize code and resources from different sources while running. In the context of PE files, the .rdata section stands out as a repository for the metadata needed for the executable to function correctly, as it specifies how to link to external libraries and what functionalities the executable can provide to other processes. Understanding this aspect of the .rdata section is important for anyone working in digital forensics, as it helps analyze how an executable interacts with other software during its execution.