AutoScripting (Ghidra Extension)

AutoScripting is a Ghidra extension that runs a target script automatically when a program is opened. By default, it executes Autoscript.py from the ~/ghidra_scripts directory. The extension content exists inside Ghidra_Autoscripting_Extension.

How It Works

• The AutoStartPlugin listens for program-open events.
• The first time a program is opened in a session, the plugin loads and runs Autoscript.py from ~/ghidra_scripts.
• If the same program is reopened in the same session, the script will not rerun unless the program is closed first.

Requirements

• Ghidra 11.4.2 (or a compatible version you specify)
• Java (required by Ghidra)
• Gradle (or use the Gradle wrapper if you add one later)

Configure Your Environment

You must point the build to your local Ghidra installation.

Option 1: Set an environment variable:

export GHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR=/path/to/ghidra

Option 2: Edit gradle.properties and set:

GHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR=/path/to/ghidra

If your Ghidra version differs, update the version field in extension.properties to match your Ghidra version.

Build the Extension

From the project root:

gradle buildExtension

This produces a zip in dist/ (for example, dist/AutoScripting.zip).

Install the Extension in Ghidra

1. Open Ghidra.
2. Go to File > Install Extensions.
3. Click + and select the generated zip from dist/.
4. Restart Ghidra when prompted.
5. Open File > Configure and enable the AutoScript plugin under Scripting if it is not already enabled.

Install the Auto Script

Place your script at:

~/ghidra_scripts/Autoscript.py

Notes:

• The filename must be exactly Autoscript.py.
• The script runs each time a program is opened (once per program per session).

Troubleshooting

• If the build fails, confirm GHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR is set correctly.
• If the plugin does not appear, verify the version field in extension.properties matches your Ghidra version.
• If the script does not run, check that Autoscript.py exists in ~/ghidra_scripts.

Project Structure (minimal build files)

build.gradle
extension.properties
gradle.properties
settings.gradle
src/main/java/autoscript/AutoStartPlugin.java