Haotian Zhang

Abstract

Innovative and results-driven researcher with a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and a strong focus on software and systems security. Extensive expertise in static and dynamic binary analysis, malware detection, and machine learning applications in cybersecurity. Proven track record in securing $99,896 in research funding from Cisco to lead projects on debloating and securing IoT devices. Published author in top-tier conferences such as ASPLOS, USENIX Security, and CCS, with multiple awards in ACM and PLDI Student Research Competitions. Demonstrated experience in teaching and mentoring students in information security, compiler optimization, and machine learning. Skilled in leading interdisciplinary teams and collaborating with industry partners to advance the state of cybersecurity research.

Introduction

a photo of me — A photo of Haotian Zhang, taken at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, CA. Fueled by code, curiosity, and a dash of optimistic nihilism (Optimistic Nihilism)
In a universe where intrinsic meaning is undefined, the act of creating meaning yields maximum existential fulfillment.

Assume the universe operates under the principle of nihilism, wherein objective meaning does not exist.

Let $ A $ be any action or pursuit undertaken by an individual.

Define $ M(A) $ as the subjective meaning derived from $ A $.

Optimism asserts that $ M(A) > 0 $ is achievable through intentional effort, creativity, and curiosity.

Therefore, by engaging in purposeful actions $ A $, individuals maximize $ \int M(A) \, dt $, resulting in a net positive existential experience.
Q.E.D. (Quite Enjoyable, Dude!).

Research Interests

Binary Analysis and Software Security
Machine Learning for Program Analysis
Embedded Systems Security

Background

Educational Background of Haotian Zhang
Degree	Field of Study	Institution	Location	Duration
Ph.D. ^*	Computer Engineering	The University of Texas at Arlington	TX, USA	2017-2023
Bachelor	Electronic and Information Engineering	Beihang University	China	2013-2017
*supervised by Dr. Jiang Ming

Honors & Awards

ACM Student Research Competition 2022 Grand Finals – Second Place ¹
PLDI Student Research Competition 2021 – First Place ²
IEEE Top Picks in Hardware and Embedded Security 2023 - Shortlisted ³
UTA CSE Outstanding Doctoral Student Awards for 2022

Publications

[ASPLOS '22] One Size Does Not Fit All: Security Hardening of MIPS Embedded Systems via Static Binary Debloating for Shared Libraries ³
Haotian Zhang, Mengfei Ren, Yu Lei, Jiang Ming
In Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Architectural Support for Programming Languages and Operating Systems, Lausanne, Switzerland, Feb 28-March 4, 2022. (Acceptance rate 20.1%=80/397)
[USENIX Security '23] On the Feasibility of Malware Unpacking via Hardware-assisted Loop Profiling
Binlin Cheng, Erika A Leal, Haotian Zhang, Jiang Ming
In Proceedings of the 32nd USENIX Security Symposium, Anaheim, CA, August 09-11, 2023. (Acceptance rate 29.2%=422/1444)
[ESORICS '23] Intelligent Zigbee Protocol Fuzzing via Constraint-Field Dependency Inference
Mengfei Ren, Haotian Zhang, Xiaolei Ren, Jiang Ming, Yu Lei
In Proceedings of the 28th European Symposium on Research in Computer Security, Hague, The Netherlands, September 25-29, 2023. (Acceptance rate 19.5%=93/478)
[USENIX Security '21] Obfuscation-Resilient Executable Payload Extraction From Packed Malware
Binlin Cheng, Jiang Ming, Erika A Leal, Haotian Zhang, Jianming Fu, Guojun Peng, Jean-Yves Marion
In Proceedings of the 30th USENIX Security Symposium, Virtual Event, August 11-13, 2021. (Acceptance rate 18.8%=248/1319)
[CCS '20] PatchScope: Memory Object Centric Patch Diffing
Lei Zhao, Yuncong Zhu, Jiang Ming, Yichen Zhang, Haotian Zhang, Heng Yin
In Proceedings of the 27th ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security, Virtual Event, November 9-13, page 149-165, 2020. (Acceptance rate 16.9%=121/715)
[ACM SRC '23] PLDI: G: Smaller and More Secure: Static Debloating of MIPS Firmware Shared Libraries ^{1 2}
Haotian Zhang
In ACM Student Research Competition 2023

Grant Writing Experience

Cisco Research Gift Amount: $99,896 | 2022
Security Hardening of MIPS IoT Devices via Debloating Binary Shared Libraries

Successfully secured funding through a detailed proposal for research on static binary debloating, focusing on hardening IoT devices against code-reuse attacks.
The project involved collaboration with the Cisco security team on advanced debloating techniques.

Teaching Experience

Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Texas at Arlington

CSE 4380/5380: Information Security *Designed Capture the Flag Labs
CSE 5324: Software Engineering
CSE 4316/4317: Computer System Design Project
CSE 4322: Software Project Managment
CSE 4382/5382: Secure Programming
CSE 3330: Database Systems And File Structures

Contact

haotian.zhang at mavs.uta.edu