---
name: "memfrob"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "man-pages"
version: "6.19-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/memfrob"
---

# memfrob(3)

memory frobnicate (obfuscate)

## NAME

memfrob - memory frobnicate (obfuscate)

## LIBRARY

Standard C library (*libc*, *-lc*)

## SYNOPSIS

```
#define _GNU_SOURCE             /* See feature_test_macros(7) */
#include <string.h>  // see memory.h(3head)
```

**void \*memfrob(**size\_t n;               **void** *s***\[***n***\], size\_t** *n***);**

## DESCRIPTION

The **memfrob**() function obfuscates the first *n* bytes of the memory area *s* by exclusive-ORing each character with the number 42. The effect can be reversed by using **memfrob**() on the obfuscated memory area.

Note that this function is not a proper encryption routine as the XOR constant is fixed, and is suitable only for hiding strings.

## RETURN VALUE

The **memfrob**() function returns a pointer to the obfuscated memory area.

## ATTRIBUTES

For an explanation of the terms used in this section, see [**attributes**(7)](/attributes/7.md).

| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Interface** | **Attribute** | **Value** |
| **memfrob**() | Thread safety | MT-Safe |

## STANDARDS

GNU.

## SEE ALSO

[**memory.h**(3head)](/memory.h/3head.md), [**strfry**(3)](/strfry/3.md)