exec format error - Exec format error cannot execute binary

root@linuxfix:~/exec_format_error$

exec format error

Exec format error cannot execute binary

Solutions

Prerequisites: Start by updating your system to resolve common issues and ensure the solutions provided below are compatible with your current environment.

check_latest_version && sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Check file format

Verify executable format and architecture:

file program

readelf -h program

uname -m

Install correct version

Get architecture-appropriate binary:

dpkg --print-architecture

sudo apt install program:amd64

wget https://example.com/program-x86_64

Fix script interpreter

Ensure script has correct shebang:

head -1 script.sh

chmod +x script.sh

which python3

What is exec format error?

This error occurs when trying to execute a binary that's not compatible with the current system architecture or format.

Common scenarios: Wrong architecture binaries, corrupted executables, or missing interpreters for scripts.

Common Causes

Wrong CPU architecture
Corrupted executable file
Missing script interpreter
Wrong file format
Binary compiled for different OS

Debugging Tips

hexdump -C program | head

strings program | head

ldd program

objdump -f program

Prevention

Download correct architecture
Verify file integrity
Use proper interpreters
Test on target system

Additional Resources

ELF Format Guide

Understanding executable formats

exec binary architecture format