27-Year-Old EXE Became Python In Minutes. Is AI-Assisted Reverse Engineering Next?

Phillip Torrone highlighted a Reddit post describing the successful reverse engineering of a 27-year-old Visual Basic executable. A user uploaded the VB4 executable to Claude 3.7, an AI, requesting assistance in running and converting it to Python. Claude 3.7 successfully analyzed the binary, extracting relevant information like UI elements and sound files. The AI then generated a functional Python equivalent using Pygame. The conversion reportedly worked immediately and took under five minutes. This demonstrates the potential for AI to modernize legacy applications. Old business applications and games could be revitalized without requiring original source code. The process simplifies decompilation, potentially reviving proprietary software from defunct platforms. Torrone suggests integrating similar AI tools into online archives like Archive.org for on-demand conversion. This technology could significantly aid in software archaeology and open-source initiatives.