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Context-Sensitive Pointer Analysis for ArkTS

  • Yizhuo Yang
  • , Lingyun Xu
  • , Mingyi Zhou*
  • , Li Li*
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • Beihang University
  • Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Current call graph generation methods for ArkTS, a new programming language for OpenHarmony, exhibit precision limitations when supporting advanced static analysis tasks such as data flow analysis and vulnerability pattern detection, while the workflow of traditional JavaScript(JS)/TypeScript(TS) analysis tools fails to interpret ArkUI component tree semantics. The core technical bottleneck originates from the closure mechanisms inherent in TypeScript's dynamic language features and the interaction patterns involving OpenHarmony's framework APIs. Existing static analysis tools for ArkTS struggle to achieve effective tracking and precise deduction of object reference relationships, leading to topological fractures in call graph reachability and diminished analysis coverage. This technical limitation fundamentally constrains the implementation of advanced program analysis techniques.Therefore, in this paper, we propose a tool named ArkAnalyzer Pointer Analysis Kit (APAK), the first context-sensitive pointer analysis framework specifically designed for ArkTS. APAK addresses these challenges through a unique ArkTS heap object model and a highly extensible plugin architecture, ensuring future adaptability to the evolving OpenHarmony ecosystem. In the evaluation, we construct a dataset from 1,663 real-world applications in the OpenHarmony ecosystem to evaluate APAK, demonstrating APAK's superior performance over CHA/RTA approaches in critical metrics including valid edge coverage (e.g., a 7.1% reduction compared to CHA and a 34.2% increase over RTA). The improvement in edge coverage systematically reduces false positive rates from 20% to 2%, enabling future exploration of establishing more complex program analysis tools based on our framework. Our proposed APAK has been merged into the official static analysis framework ArkAnalyzer for OpenHarmony.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2025 40th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Automated Software Engineering, ASE 2025
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages3262-3273
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9798350357332
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
Event2025 40th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Automated Software Engineering, ASE 2025 - Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 16 Nov 202520 Nov 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2025 40th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Automated Software Engineering, ASE 2025

Conference

Conference2025 40th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Automated Software Engineering, ASE 2025
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CitySeoul
Period16/11/2520/11/25

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