Generated banner for Atheris
Generated logo for Atheris

Atheris

Trail of BitsOfficialPublished by Trail of Bits

  • Skill
  • Tool integration
  • Security
  • CC-BY-SA-4.0
  • Low risk

From the author

Sets up and runs Atheris, the coverage-guided Python fuzzer built on libFuzzer. Covers TestOneInput harnesses, FuzzedDataProvider, instrumenting both pure Python and native C extensions, and running under AddressSanitizer. Use when fuzzing a Python package, hunting memory corruption in a Python C extension, or choosing between Atheris and Hypothesis for a Python target.
— the description by Trail of Bits

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

Atheris is a coverage-guided fuzzer designed for the Python ecosystem. It enables developers to test both pure Python code and native C extensions by integrating with libFuzzer. The tool supports AddressSanitizer (ASan) to detect memory corruption issues, particularly within C extensions, and provides mechanisms for instrumenting code, managing seed corpora, and structuring input data for more effective fuzzing campaigns.

What it does

  • Provides coverage-guided fuzzing for pure Python and C extensions
  • Integrates with AddressSanitizer to identify memory corruption
  • Supports structured input generation via FuzzedDataProvider
  • Offers multiple instrumentation modes including function-level and module-level
  • Includes tools for corpus management and minimization
  • Facilitates integration with CI/CD pipelines

When to use it

  • When you need to fuzz pure Python code with coverage guidance
  • When testing Python C extensions for memory safety issues
  • When you require integration with the libFuzzer ecosystem
  • When you need to detect memory corruption using AddressSanitizer

Advantages

  • Native support for both Python and C extension instrumentation
  • Coverage-guided approach improves test effectiveness
  • Flexible instrumentation options for different project needs
  • Compatible with standard sanitizer tools for deep bug detection

Usage examples

“How do I set up a basic Atheris harness for a Python function?”
The agent provides a template using @atheris.instrument_func and atheris.Setup to define the entry point for the fuzzer.
“How can I fuzz a Python C extension with Atheris?”
The agent explains how to compile the extension with specific clang flags and configure LD_PRELOAD for sanitizer support.
“What is the best way to handle structured inputs in my fuzzer?”
The agent demonstrates using atheris.FuzzedDataProvider to split byte inputs into typed values like integers, booleans, or strings.
“How do I manage my initial seed corpus?”
The agent shows how to create a directory of seed files and pass that directory as an argument when running the fuzzer.

Install

  1. Download the skill as a ZIP:

    https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/trailofbits/atheris/download
  2. Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

    mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip atheris.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Trail of Bits

Atheris

Atheris is a coverage-guided Python fuzzer built on libFuzzer. It enables fuzzing of both pure Python code and Python C extensions with integrated AddressSanitizer support for detecting memory corruption issues.

When to Use

FuzzerBest ForComplexity
AtherisPython code and C extensionsLow-Medium
HypothesisProperty-based testingLow
python-aflAFL-style fuzzingMedium

Choose Atheris when:

  • Fuzzing pure Python code with coverage guidance

  • Testing Python C extensions for memory corruption

  • Integration with libFuzzer ecosystem is desired

  • AddressSanitizer support is needed

Quick Start

import sys
import atheris

@atheris.instrument_func
def TestOneInput(data: bytes):
    if len(data) == 4:
        if data[0] == 0x46:  # "F"
            if data[1] == 0x55:  # "U"
                if data[2] == 0x5A:  # "Z"
                    if data[3] == 0x5A:  # "Z"
                        raise RuntimeError("You caught me")

def main():
    atheris.Setup(sys.argv, TestOneInput)
    atheris.Fuzz()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Run:

uv run python fuzz.py

Installation

Atheris supports 32-bit and 64-bit Linux, and macOS. We recommend fuzzing on Linux because it's simpler to manage and often faster.

Prerequisites
Linux/macOS
uv init --bare   # once, if the harness directory is not yet a uv project
uv add atheris

For a fully operational Linux environment with all dependencies configured:

# https://hub.docker.com/_/python
ARG PYTHON_VERSION=3.11

FROM python:$PYTHON_VERSION-slim-bookworm

RUN python --version

RUN apt update && apt install -y \
    ca-certificates \
    wget \
    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

# LLVM builds version 15-19 for Debian 12 (Bookworm)
# https://apt.llvm.org/bookworm/dists/
ARG LLVM_VERSION=19

RUN echo "deb http://apt.llvm.org/bookworm/ llvm-toolchain-bookworm-$LLVM_VERSION main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/llvm.list
RUN echo "deb-src http://apt.llvm.org/bookworm/ llvm-toolchain-bookworm-$LLVM_VERSION main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/llvm.list
RUN wget -qO- https://apt.llvm.org/llvm-snapshot.gpg.key > /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/apt.llvm.org.asc

RUN apt update && apt install -y \
    build-essential \
    clang-$LLVM_VERSION \
    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

ENV APP_DIR "/app"
RUN mkdir $APP_DIR
WORKDIR $APP_DIR

ENV VIRTUAL_ENV "/opt/venv"
RUN python -m venv $VIRTUAL_ENV
ENV PATH "$VIRTUAL_ENV/bin:$PATH"

# https://github.com/google/atheris/blob/master/native_extension_fuzzing.md#step-1-compiling-your-extension
ENV CC="clang-$LLVM_VERSION"
ENV CFLAGS "-fsanitize=address,fuzzer-no-link"
ENV CXX="clang++-$LLVM_VERSION"
ENV CXXFLAGS "-fsanitize=address,fuzzer-no-link"
ENV LDSHARED="clang-$LLVM_VERSION -shared"
ENV LDSHAREDXX="clang++-$LLVM_VERSION -shared"
ENV ASAN_SYMBOLIZER_PATH="/usr/bin/llvm-symbolizer-$LLVM_VERSION"

# Allow Atheris to find fuzzer sanitizer shared libs
# https://github.com/google/atheris#building-from-source
RUN LIBFUZZER_LIB=$($CC -print-file-name=libclang_rt.fuzzer_no_main-$(uname -m).a) \
    python -m pip install --no-binary atheris atheris

# https://github.com/google/atheris/blob/master/native_extension_fuzzing.md#option-a-sanitizerlibfuzzer-preloads
ENV LD_PRELOAD "$VIRTUAL_ENV/lib/python3.11/site-packages/asan_with_fuzzer.so"

# 1. Skip memory allocation failures for now, they are common, and low impact (DoS)
# 2. https://github.com/google/atheris/blob/master/native_extension_fuzzing.md#leak-detection
ENV ASAN_OPTIONS "allocator_may_return_null=1,detect_leaks=0"

CMD ["/bin/bash"]

Build and run:

docker build -t atheris .
docker run -it atheris
Verification
python -c "import atheris; print(atheris.__version__)"

Writing a Harness

Harness Structure for Pure Python
import sys
import atheris

@atheris.instrument_func
def TestOneInput(data: bytes):
    """
    Fuzzing entry point. Called with random byte sequences.

    Args:
        data: Random bytes generated by the fuzzer
    """
    # Add input validation if needed
    if len(data) < 1:
        return

    # Call your target function
    try:
        your_target_function(data)
    except ValueError:
        # Expected exceptions should be caught
        pass
    # Let unexpected exceptions crash (that's what we're looking for!)

def main():
    atheris.Setup(sys.argv, TestOneInput)
    atheris.Fuzz()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()
Structured Input with FuzzedDataProvider

A target taking several typed arguments wastes most of the fuzzer's inputs if the harness slices data by hand, because every mutation shifts the byte offsets of everything after it. atheris.FuzzedDataProvider splits one bytes input into typed values instead:

fdp = atheris.FuzzedDataProvider(data)
name = fdp.ConsumeUnicodeNoSurrogates(fdp.ConsumeIntInRange(0, 64))
strict = fdp.ConsumeBool()

See structured-input.md for the full method reference, the fixed-draw- order rule, and what each method returns once the buffer runs dry.

Harness Rules
DoDon't
Use @atheris.instrument_func for coverageForget to instrument target code
Catch expected exceptionsCatch all exceptions indiscriminately
Use atheris.instrument_imports() for librariesImport modules after atheris.Setup()
Keep harness deterministicUse randomness or time-based behavior

See Also: For detailed harness writing techniques, patterns for handling complex inputs, and advanced strategies, see the fuzz-harness-writing technique skill.

Fuzzing Pure Python Code

For fuzzing broader parts of an application or library, use instrumentation functions:

import atheris
with atheris.instrument_imports():
    import your_module
    from another_module import target_function

def TestOneInput(data: bytes):
    target_function(data)

atheris.Setup(sys.argv, TestOneInput)
atheris.Fuzz()

Instrumentation Options:

  • atheris.instrument_func - Decorator for single function instrumentation

  • atheris.instrument_imports() - Context manager for instrumenting all imported modules

  • atheris.instrument_all() - Instrument all Python code system-wide

Fuzzing Python C Extensions

Python C extensions require compilation with specific flags for instrumentation and sanitizer support.

Environment Configuration

If using the provided Dockerfile, these are already configured. For local setup:

export CC="clang"
export CFLAGS="-fsanitize=address,fuzzer-no-link"
export CXX="clang++"
export CXXFLAGS="-fsanitize=address,fuzzer-no-link"
export LDSHARED="clang -shared"
Example: Fuzzing cbor2

Install the extension from source:

CBOR2_BUILD_C_EXTENSION=1 uv add --no-binary-package cbor2 'cbor2==5.6.4'

The --no-binary-package flag ensures the C extension is compiled locally with instrumentation rather than pulled as a prebuilt wheel. Persist that choice with no-binary-package = ["cbor2"] under [tool.uv] in pyproject.toml, or a later uv sync can silently swap in an uninstrumented wheel.

Create cbor2-fuzz.py:

import sys
import atheris

# _cbor2 ensures the C library is imported
from _cbor2 import loads

def TestOneInput(data: bytes):
    try:
        loads(data)
    except Exception:
        # We're searching for memory corruption, not Python exceptions
        pass

def main():
    atheris.Setup(sys.argv, TestOneInput)
    atheris.Fuzz()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Run:

uv run python cbor2-fuzz.py

Important: When running locally (not in Docker), you must set LD_PRELOAD manually.

Corpus Management

Creating Initial Corpus
mkdir corpus
# Add seed inputs
echo "test data" > corpus/seed1
echo '{"key": "value"}' > corpus/seed2

Run with corpus:

uv run python fuzz.py corpus/
Corpus Minimization

Atheris inherits corpus minimization from libFuzzer:

uv run python fuzz.py -merge=1 new_corpus/ old_corpus/

See Also: For corpus creation strategies, dictionaries, and seed selection, see the fuzzing-corpus technique skill.

Running Campaigns

Basic Run
uv run python fuzz.py
With Corpus Directory
uv run python fuzz.py corpus/
Common Options
# Run for 10 minutes
uv run python fuzz.py -max_total_time=600

# Limit input size
uv run python fuzz.py -max_len=1024

# Run with multiple workers
uv run python fuzz.py -workers=4 -jobs=4
Interpreting Output
OutputMeaning
NEW cov: XFound new coverage, corpus expanded
pulse cov: XPeriodic status update
exec/s: XExecutions per second (throughput)
corp: X/YbCorpus size: X inputs, Y bytes total
ERROR: libFuzzerCrash detected

Sanitizer Integration

AddressSanitizer (ASan)

AddressSanitizer is automatically integrated when using the provided Docker environment or when compiling with appropriate flags.

For local setup:

export CFLAGS="-fsanitize=address,fuzzer-no-link"
export CXXFLAGS="-fsanitize=address,fuzzer-no-link"

Configure ASan behavior:

export ASAN_OPTIONS="allocator_may_return_null=1,detect_leaks=0"
LD_PRELOAD Configuration

For native extension fuzzing:

export LD_PRELOAD="$(python -c 'import atheris; import os; print(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(atheris.__file__), "asan_with_fuzzer.so"))')"

See Also: For detailed sanitizer configuration, common issues, and advanced flags, see the address-sanitizer and undefined-behavior-sanitizer technique skills.

Common Sanitizer Issues
IssueSolution
LD_PRELOAD not setExport LD_PRELOAD to point to asan_with_fuzzer.so
Memory allocation failuresSet ASAN_OPTIONS=allocator_may_return_null=1
Leak detection noiseSet ASAN_OPTIONS=detect_leaks=0
Missing symbolizerSet ASAN_SYMBOLIZER_PATH to llvm-symbolizer

Advanced Usage

Tips and Tricks
TipWhy It Helps
Use atheris.instrument_imports() earlyEnsures all imports are instrumented for coverage
Start with small max_lenFaster initial fuzzing, gradually increase
Use dictionaries for structured formatsHelps fuzzer understand format tokens
Run multiple parallel instancesBetter coverage exploration
Custom Instrumentation

Fine-tune what gets instrumented:

import atheris

# Instrument only specific modules
with atheris.instrument_imports():
    import target_module
# Don't instrument test harness code

def TestOneInput(data: bytes):
    target_module.parse(data)
Performance Tuning
SettingImpact
-max_len=NSmaller values = faster execution
-workers=N -jobs=NParallel fuzzing for faster coverage
ASAN_OPTIONS=fast_unwind_on_malloc=0Better stack traces, slower execution
UndefinedBehaviorSanitizer (UBSan)

Add UBSan to catch additional bugs:

export CFLAGS="-fsanitize=address,undefined,fuzzer-no-link"
export CXXFLAGS="-fsanitize=address,undefined,fuzzer-no-link"

Note: Modify flags in Dockerfile if using containerized setup.

Real-World Examples

Two complete harnesses — a pure-Python parser and an HTTP response parser — are in examples.md.

Troubleshooting

ProblemCauseSolution
No coverage increasePoor seed corpus or target not instrumentedAdd better seeds, verify instrument_imports()
Slow executionASan overhead or large inputsReduce max_len, use ASAN_OPTIONS=fast_unwind_on_malloc=1
Import errorsModules imported before instrumentationMove imports inside instrument_imports() context
Segfault without ASan outputMissing LD_PRELOADSet LD_PRELOAD to asan_with_fuzzer.so path
Build failuresWrong compiler or missing flagsVerify CC, CFLAGS, and clang version
Technique Skills
SkillUse Case
fuzz-harness-writingDetailed guidance on writing effective harnesses
address-sanitizerMemory error detection during fuzzing
undefined-behavior-sanitizerCatching undefined behavior in C extensions
coverage-analysisMeasuring and improving code coverage
fuzzing-corpusBuilding and managing seed corpora
SkillWhen to Consider
hypothesisProperty-based testing with type-aware generation
python-aflAFL-style fuzzing for Python when Atheris isn't available

Resources

Key External Resources

Atheris GitHub Repository Official repository with installation instructions, examples, and documentation for fuzzing both pure Python and native extensions.

Native Extension Fuzzing Guide Comprehensive guide covering compilation flags, LD_PRELOAD setup, sanitizer configuration, and troubleshooting for Python C extensions.

Continuously Fuzzing Python C Extensions Trail of Bits blog post covering CI/CD integration, ClusterFuzzLite setup, and real-world examples of fuzzing Python C extensions in continuous integration pipelines.

ClusterFuzzLite Python Integration Guide for integrating Atheris fuzzing into CI/CD pipelines using ClusterFuzzLite for automated continuous fuzzing.

Video Resources

Videos and tutorials are available in the main Atheris documentation and libFuzzer resources.

Files

Requirements and compatibility

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Needs network access, Needs a command-line tool, Needs Python

Security

What our scanner noticed· Low risk

  • Instructions that use the network

A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.

Attribution and licence

Published by
Trail of Bits
Publisher
Trail of Bits (Official)
Source
trailofbits/skills · plugins/testing-handbook-skills/skills/atheris · commit e4dd0bb
Licence
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (redistribution allowed)
  • LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE)
  • ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
Synced

AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Trail of Bits.

Download ZIP

The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download atheris.zip