Can Mathworks perform a reverse compile of an .exe when the source code is long gone?

I was recently asked by a former employer to update a compiled .exe that I made around 2008. While I am flattered that my code is still being used, the source code, associated files, and computer that I compiled the .exe on are long gone. Does Mathworks have the capability to reverse compile and .exe into source code? This is a 16bit Windows OS .exe compiled on circa 2008 release of MatLab and had some statistics toolbox and advanced .xls writing functions in it. I have an active MatLab license with a compiler at my current job.

Answer 1

[Jan]

I'm convinced, that MathWorks can do this. Tne AES encryption and the P-coding leaves enough information to obtain M-code. But can you prove, that this is your code? When Mathworks cannot be 100% sure, that they do not break the intellectual property of the author, they will not do this, because it would be illegal.

A proof would be, if you code replies your name as the author, when you provide a secret input argument. Well.

[André]

My name, the company's name, and revision history are all in the embedded in %%'s in the first few lines of the header. Not sure if that would qualify? My full name as I coded it is rather unique and I am a short drive to MathWorks HQ so I could provide photo ID. Might be an interesting test case...

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

Oddly... we do not know. I have never seen Mathworks comment publicly as to whether they themselves could reverse engineer a compiled .exe . We tend to think they could probably do it, since they know the properties of their AES encryption... but we do not know. If they can do it, then what they would get back at a first step would probably be the equivalent of .p files; it is not clear to what extent variable names would be lost. The comments would certainly be lost.

If Mathworks can do this, it would be something you would have to send to the Mathworks Consulting Service . It would probably be expensive.

[André]

Thank you for the quick reply Walter. My former employer is a very well funded company - so the consulting service might be a viable option for them. But then I am flattering myself - it might be cheaper for someone to just re-code from scratch :-)