patchelf

Patch existing ELF metadata without recompiling the target.

When to use patchelf

Use patchelf when you need to:

• force an ELF to use a specific dynamic loader
• point a binary at a custom libc or bundled libraries
• trim or rewrite RPATH/RUNPATH entries
• add, remove, or replace DT_NEEDED dependencies
• change a shared library SONAME

This is especially useful in exploit labs, portable bundles, and offline ELF repair workflows.

Quick Start