mal-toolbox 1.2.1__py3-none-any.whl → 2.1.0__py3-none-any.whl

maltoolbox/language/languagegraph.py

@@ -1,703 +1,49 @@
-"""MAL-Toolbox Language Graph Module
+"""MAL-Toolbox Language Graph functionality
+- A graph representation of a MAL language
+- Used when creating models and when generating attack graphs
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import json
 import logging
+from typing import Any
 import zipfile
-from dataclasses import dataclass, field
-from functools import cached_property
-from typing import Any, Literal
-
-from maltoolbox.file_utils import (
-    load_dict_from_json_file,
-    load_dict_from_yaml_file,
-    save_dict_to_file,
-)
-
-from ..exceptions import (
-    LanguageGraphAssociationError,
-    LanguageGraphException,
-    LanguageGraphStepExpressionError,
-    LanguageGraphSuperAssetNotFoundError,
-)
-from .compiler import MalCompiler
 
-logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
-
-def disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(
-    attack_step_full_name: str
-) -> list[str]:
-    """From an attack step full name, get (asset_name, attack_step_name)"""
-    return attack_step_full_name.split(':')
-
-
-@dataclass(frozen=True, eq=True)
-class Detector:
-    name: str | None
-    context: Context
-    type: str | None
-    tprate: dict | None
-
-    def to_dict(self) -> dict:
-        return {
-            "context": self.context.to_dict(),
-            "name": self.name,
-            "type": self.type,
-            "tprate": self.tprate,
-        }
-
-
-class Context(dict):
-    """Context is part of detectors to provide meta data about attackers"""
-
-    def __init__(self, context) -> None:
-        super().__init__(context)
-        self._context_dict = context
-        for label, asset in context.items():
-            setattr(self, label, asset)
-
-    def to_dict(self) -> dict:
-        return {label: asset.name for label, asset in self.items()}
-
-    def __str__(self) -> str:
-        return str({label: asset.name for label, asset in self._context_dict.items()})
-
-    def __repr__(self) -> str:
-        return f"Context({self!s}))"
-
-
-@dataclass
-class LanguageGraphAsset:
-    """An asset type as defined in the MAL language"""
-
-    name: str
-    own_associations: dict[str, LanguageGraphAssociation] = \
-        field(default_factory=dict)
-    attack_steps: dict[str, LanguageGraphAttackStep] = \
-        field(default_factory=dict)
-    info: dict = field(default_factory=dict)
-    own_super_asset: LanguageGraphAsset | None = None
-    own_sub_assets: list[LanguageGraphAsset] = field(default_factory=list)
-    own_variables: dict = field(default_factory=dict)
-    is_abstract: bool | None = None
-
-    def to_dict(self) -> dict:
-        """Convert LanguageGraphAsset to dictionary"""
-        node_dict: dict[str, Any] = {
-            'name': self.name,
-            'associations': {},
-            'attack_steps': {},
-            'info': self.info,
-            'super_asset': self.own_super_asset.name
-                if self.own_super_asset else "",
-            'sub_assets': [asset.name for asset in self.own_sub_assets],
-            'variables': {},
-            'is_abstract': self.is_abstract
-        }
-
-        for fieldname, assoc in self.own_associations.items():
-            node_dict['associations'][fieldname] = assoc.to_dict()
-        for attack_step in self.attack_steps.values():
-            node_dict['attack_steps'][attack_step.name] = \
-                attack_step.to_dict()
-        for variable_name, (var_target_asset, var_expr_chain) in \
-                self.own_variables.items():
-            node_dict['variables'][variable_name] = (
-                var_target_asset.name,
-                var_expr_chain.to_dict()
-            )
-        return node_dict
-
-    def __repr__(self) -> str:
-        return f'LanguageGraphAsset(name: "{self.name}")'
-
-    def __hash__(self):
-        return id(self)
-
-    def is_subasset_of(self, target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset) -> bool:
-        """Check if an asset extends the target asset through inheritance.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        target_asset    - the target asset we wish to evaluate if this asset
-                          extends
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        True if this asset extends the target_asset via inheritance.
-        False otherwise.
-
-        """
-        current_asset: LanguageGraphAsset | None = self
-        while current_asset:
-            if current_asset == target_asset:
-                return True
-            current_asset = current_asset.own_super_asset
-        return False
-
-    @cached_property
-    def sub_assets(self) -> set[LanguageGraphAsset]:
-        """Return a list of all of the assets that directly or indirectly extend
-        this asset.
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A list of all of the assets that extend this asset plus itself.
-
-        """
-        subassets: list[LanguageGraphAsset] = []
-        for subasset in self.own_sub_assets:
-            subassets.extend(subasset.sub_assets)
-
-        subassets.extend(self.own_sub_assets)
-        subassets.append(self)
-
-        return set(subassets)
-
-    @cached_property
-    def super_assets(self) -> list[LanguageGraphAsset]:
-        """Return a list of all of the assets that this asset directly or
-        indirectly extends.
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A list of all of the assets that this asset extends plus itself.
-
-        """
-        current_asset: LanguageGraphAsset | None = self
-        superassets = []
-        while current_asset:
-            superassets.append(current_asset)
-            current_asset = current_asset.own_super_asset
-        return superassets
-
-    def associations_to(
-        self, asset_type: LanguageGraphAsset
-    ) -> dict[str, LanguageGraphAssociation]:
-        """Return dict of association types that go from self
-        to given `asset_type`
-        """
-        associations_to_asset_type = {}
-        for fieldname, association in self.associations.items():
-            if association in asset_type.associations.values():
-                associations_to_asset_type[fieldname] = association
-        return associations_to_asset_type
-
-    @cached_property
-    def associations(self) -> dict[str, LanguageGraphAssociation]:
-        """Return a list of all of the associations that belong to this asset
-        directly or indirectly via inheritance.
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A list of all of the associations that apply to this asset, either
-        directly or via inheritance.
-
-        """
-        associations = dict(self.own_associations)
-        if self.own_super_asset:
-            associations |= self.own_super_asset.associations
-        return associations
-
-    @property
-    def variables(
-            self
-        ) -> dict[str, tuple[LanguageGraphAsset, ExpressionsChain]]:
-        """Return a list of all of the variables that belong to this asset
-        directly or indirectly via inheritance.
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A list of all of the variables that apply to this asset, either
-        directly or via inheritance.
-
-        """
-        all_vars = dict(self.own_variables)
-        if self.own_super_asset:
-            all_vars |= self.own_super_asset.variables
-        return all_vars
-
-    def get_all_common_superassets(
-            self, other: LanguageGraphAsset
-        ) -> set[str]:
-        """Return a set of all common ancestors between this asset
-        and the other asset given as parameter
-        """
-        self_superassets = set(
-            asset.name for asset in self.super_assets
-        )
-        other_superassets = set(
-            asset.name for asset in other.super_assets
-        )
-        return self_superassets.intersection(other_superassets)
-
-
-@dataclass(frozen=True, eq=True)
-class LanguageGraphAssociationField:
-    """A field in an association"""
-
-    asset: LanguageGraphAsset
-    fieldname: str
-    minimum: int
-    maximum: int
-
-
-@dataclass(frozen=True, eq=True)
-class LanguageGraphAssociation:
-    """An association type between asset types as defined in the MAL language
-    """
-
-    name: str
-    left_field: LanguageGraphAssociationField
-    right_field: LanguageGraphAssociationField
-    info: dict = field(default_factory=dict, compare=False)
-
-    def to_dict(self) -> dict:
-        """Convert LanguageGraphAssociation to dictionary"""
-        assoc_dict = {
-            'name': self.name,
-            'info': self.info,
-            'left': {
-                'asset': self.left_field.asset.name,
-                'fieldname': self.left_field.fieldname,
-                'min': self.left_field.minimum,
-                'max': self.left_field.maximum
-            },
-            'right': {
-                'asset': self.right_field.asset.name,
-                'fieldname': self.right_field.fieldname,
-                'min': self.right_field.minimum,
-                'max': self.right_field.maximum
-            }
-        }
-
-        return assoc_dict
-
-    def __repr__(self) -> str:
-        return (
-            f'LanguageGraphAssociation(name: "{self.name}", '
-            f'left_field: {self.left_field}, '
-            f'right_field: {self.right_field})'
-        )
-
-    @property
-    def full_name(self) -> str:
-        """Return the full name of the association. This is a combination of the
-        association name, left field name, left asset type, right field name,
-        and right asset type.
-        """
-        full_name = '%s_%s_%s' % (
-            self.name,
-            self.left_field.fieldname,
-            self.right_field.fieldname
-        )
-        return full_name
+from maltoolbox.exceptions import LanguageGraphAssociationError, LanguageGraphException, LanguageGraphSuperAssetNotFoundError
+from maltoolbox.file_utils import load_dict_from_json_file, load_dict_from_yaml_file, save_dict_to_file
+from maltoolbox.language.compiler.mal_compiler import MalCompiler
+from maltoolbox.language.expression_chain import ExpressionsChain
+from maltoolbox.language.language_graph_builder import generate_graph
+from maltoolbox.language.language_graph_asset import LanguageGraphAsset
+from maltoolbox.language.language_graph_assoc import LanguageGraphAssociation, LanguageGraphAssociationField
+from maltoolbox.language.language_graph_attack_step import LanguageGraphAttackStep
+from maltoolbox.language.step_expression_processor import process_attack_step_expression, process_collect_step_expression, process_field_step_expression, process_set_operation_step_expression, process_step_expression, process_subType_step_expression, process_transitive_step_expression, process_variable_step_expression, reverse_expr_chain
 
-    def get_field(self, fieldname: str) -> LanguageGraphAssociationField:
-        """Return the field that matches the `fieldname` given as parameter.
-        """
-        if self.right_field.fieldname == fieldname:
-            return self.right_field
-        return self.left_field
-
-    def contains_fieldname(self, fieldname: str) -> bool:
-        """Check if the association contains the field name given as a parameter.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        fieldname   - the field name to look for
-        Return True if either of the two field names matches.
-        False, otherwise.
-
-        """
-        if self.left_field.fieldname == fieldname:
-            return True
-        if self.right_field.fieldname == fieldname:
-            return True
-        return False
-
-    def contains_asset(self, asset: Any) -> bool:
-        """Check if the association matches the asset given as a parameter. A
-        match can either be an explicit one or if the asset given subassets
-        either of the two assets that are part of the association.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        asset       - the asset to look for
-        Return True if either of the two asset matches.
-        False, otherwise.
-
-        """
-        if asset.is_subasset_of(self.left_field.asset):
-            return True
-        if asset.is_subasset_of(self.right_field.asset):
-            return True
-        return False
-
-    def get_opposite_fieldname(self, fieldname: str) -> str:
-        """Return the opposite field name if the association contains the field
-        name given as a parameter.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        fieldname   - the field name to look for
-        Return the other field name if the parameter matched either of the
-        two. None, otherwise.
-
-        """
-        if self.left_field.fieldname == fieldname:
-            return self.right_field.fieldname
-        if self.right_field.fieldname == fieldname:
-            return self.left_field.fieldname
-
-        msg = ('Requested fieldname "%s" from association '
-               '%s which did not contain it!')
-        logger.error(msg, fieldname, self.name)
-        raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(msg % (fieldname, self.name))
-
-
-@dataclass
-class LanguageGraphAttackStep:
-    """An attack step belonging to an asset type in the MAL language
-    """
-
-    name: str
-    type: Literal["or", "and", "defense", "exist", "notExist"]
-    asset: LanguageGraphAsset
-    ttc: dict | None = field(default_factory=dict)
-    overrides: bool = False
-
-    own_children: dict[LanguageGraphAttackStep, list[ExpressionsChain | None]] = (
-        field(default_factory=dict)
-    )
-    own_parents: dict[LanguageGraphAttackStep, list[ExpressionsChain | None]] = (
-        field(default_factory=dict)
-    )
-    info: dict = field(default_factory=dict)
-    inherits: LanguageGraphAttackStep | None = None
-    own_requires: list[ExpressionsChain] = field(default_factory=list)
-    tags: list = field(default_factory=list)
-    detectors: dict = field(default_factory=dict)
-
-    def __hash__(self):
-        return id(self)
-
-    @property
-    def children(self) -> dict[
-        LanguageGraphAttackStep, list[ExpressionsChain | None]
-    ]:
-        """Get all (both own and inherited) children of a LanguageGraphAttackStep
-        """
-        all_children = dict(self.own_children)
-
-        if self.overrides:
-            # Override overrides the children
-            return all_children
-
-        if not self.inherits:
-            return all_children
-
-        for child_step, chains in self.inherits.children.items():
-            if child_step in all_children:
-                all_children[child_step] += [
-                    chain for chain in chains
-                    if chain not in all_children[child_step]
-                ]
-            else:
-                all_children[child_step] = chains
-
-        return all_children
-
-    @property
-    def parents(self) -> None:
-        raise NotImplementedError(
-            "Can not fetch parents of a LanguageGraphAttackStep"
-        )
-
-    @property
-    def full_name(self) -> str:
-        """Return the full name of the attack step. This is a combination of the
-        asset type name to which the attack step belongs and attack step name
-        itself.
-        """
-        full_name = self.asset.name + ':' + self.name
-        return full_name
-
-    def to_dict(self) -> dict:
-        node_dict: dict[Any, Any] = {
-            'name': self.name,
-            'type': self.type,
-            'asset': self.asset.name,
-            'ttc': self.ttc,
-            'own_children': {},
-            'own_parents': {},
-            'info': self.info,
-            'overrides': self.overrides,
-            'inherits': self.inherits.full_name if self.inherits else None,
-            'tags': list(self.tags),
-            'detectors': {label: detector.to_dict() for label, detector in
-            self.detectors.items()},
-        }
-
-        for child, expr_chains in self.own_children.items():
-            node_dict['own_children'][child.full_name] = []
-            for chain in expr_chains:
-                if chain:
-                    node_dict['own_children'][child.full_name].append(chain.to_dict())
-                else:
-                    node_dict['own_children'][child.full_name].append(None)
-        for parent, expr_chains in self.own_children.items():
-            node_dict['own_parents'][parent.full_name] = []
-            for chain in expr_chains:
-                if chain:
-                    node_dict['own_parents'][parent.full_name].append(chain.to_dict())
-                else:
-                    node_dict['own_parents'][parent.full_name].append(None)
-
-        if self.own_requires:
-            node_dict['requires'] = []
-            for requirement in self.own_requires:
-                node_dict['requires'].append(requirement.to_dict())
-
-        return node_dict
-
-    @cached_property
-    def requires(self):
-        if not hasattr(self, 'own_requires'):
-            requirements = []
-        else:
-            requirements = self.own_requires
-
-        if self.inherits:
-            requirements.extend(self.inherits.requires)
-        return requirements
-
-    def __repr__(self) -> str:
-        return str(self.to_dict())
-
-
-class ExpressionsChain:
-    """A series of linked step expressions that specify the association path and
-    operations to take to reach the child/parent attack step.
-    """
-
-    def __init__(self,
-            type: str,
-            left_link: ExpressionsChain | None = None,
-            right_link: ExpressionsChain | None = None,
-            sub_link: ExpressionsChain | None = None,
-            fieldname: str | None = None,
-            association=None,
-            subtype=None
-        ):
-        self.type = type
-        self.left_link: ExpressionsChain | None = left_link
-        self.right_link: ExpressionsChain | None = right_link
-        self.sub_link: ExpressionsChain | None = sub_link
-        self.fieldname: str | None = fieldname
-        self.association: LanguageGraphAssociation | None = association
-        self.subtype: Any | None = subtype
-
-    def to_dict(self) -> dict:
-        """Convert ExpressionsChain to dictionary"""
-        match (self.type):
-            case 'union' | 'intersection' | 'difference' | 'collect':
-                return {
-                    self.type: {
-                        'left': self.left_link.to_dict()
-                                if self.left_link else {},
-                        'right': self.right_link.to_dict()
-                                 if self.right_link else {}
-                    },
-                    'type': self.type
-                }
-
-            case 'field':
-                if not self.association:
-                    raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(
-                        "Missing association for expressions chain"
-                    )
-                if self.fieldname == self.association.left_field.fieldname:
-                    asset_type = self.association.left_field.asset.name
-                elif self.fieldname == self.association.right_field.fieldname:
-                    asset_type = self.association.right_field.asset.name
-                else:
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(
-                        'Failed to find fieldname "%s" in association:\n%s' %
-                        (
-                            self.fieldname,
-                            json.dumps(self.association.to_dict(),
-                                indent=2)
-                        )
-                    )
-
-                return {
-                    self.association.name:
-                    {
-                        'fieldname': self.fieldname,
-                        'asset type': asset_type
-                    },
-                    'type': self.type
-                }
-
-            case 'transitive':
-                if not self.sub_link:
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(
-                        "No sub link for transitive expressions chain"
-                    )
-                return {
-                    'transitive': self.sub_link.to_dict(),
-                    'type': self.type
-                }
-
-            case 'subType':
-                if not self.subtype:
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(
-                        "No subtype for expressions chain"
-                    )
-                if not self.sub_link:
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(
-                        "No sub link for subtype expressions chain"
-                    )
-                return {
-                    'subType': self.subtype.name,
-                    'expression': self.sub_link.to_dict(),
-                    'type': self.type
-                }
-
-            case _:
-                msg = 'Unknown associations chain element %s!'
-                logger.error(msg, self.type)
-                raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(msg % self.type)
-
-    @classmethod
-    def _from_dict(cls,
-            serialized_expr_chain: dict,
-            lang_graph: LanguageGraph,
-        ) -> ExpressionsChain | None:
-        """Create ExpressionsChain from dict
-        Args:
-        serialized_expr_chain   - expressions chain in dict format
-        lang_graph              - the LanguageGraph that contains the assets,
-                                  associations, and attack steps relevant for
-                                  the expressions chain
-        """
-        if serialized_expr_chain is None or not serialized_expr_chain:
-            return None
-
-        if 'type' not in serialized_expr_chain:
-            logger.debug(json.dumps(serialized_expr_chain, indent=2))
-            msg = 'Missing expressions chain type!'
-            logger.error(msg)
-            raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(msg)
-
-        expr_chain_type = serialized_expr_chain['type']
-        match (expr_chain_type):
-            case 'union' | 'intersection' | 'difference' | 'collect':
-                left_link = cls._from_dict(
-                    serialized_expr_chain[expr_chain_type]['left'],
-                    lang_graph
-                )
-                right_link = cls._from_dict(
-                    serialized_expr_chain[expr_chain_type]['right'],
-                    lang_graph
-                )
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type=expr_chain_type,
-                    left_link=left_link,
-                    right_link=right_link
-                )
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case 'field':
-                assoc_name = list(serialized_expr_chain.keys())[0]
-                target_asset = lang_graph.assets[
-                    serialized_expr_chain[assoc_name]['asset type']]
-                fieldname = serialized_expr_chain[assoc_name]['fieldname']
-
-                association = None
-                for assoc in target_asset.associations.values():
-                    if assoc.contains_fieldname(fieldname) and \
-                            assoc.name == assoc_name:
-                        association = assoc
-                        break
-
-                if association is None:
-                    msg = 'Failed to find association "%s" with '\
-                        'fieldname "%s"'
-                    logger.error(msg, assoc_name, fieldname)
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(
-                        msg % (assoc_name, fieldname)
-                    )
-
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type='field',
-                    association=association,
-                    fieldname=fieldname
-                )
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case 'transitive':
-                sub_link = cls._from_dict(
-                    serialized_expr_chain['transitive'],
-                    lang_graph
-                )
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type='transitive',
-                    sub_link=sub_link
-                )
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case 'subType':
-                sub_link = cls._from_dict(
-                    serialized_expr_chain['expression'],
-                    lang_graph
-                )
-                subtype_name = serialized_expr_chain['subType']
-                if subtype_name in lang_graph.assets:
-                    subtype_asset = lang_graph.assets[subtype_name]
-                else:
-                    msg = 'Failed to find subtype %s'
-                    logger.error(msg, subtype_name)
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(msg % subtype_name)
-
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type='subType',
-                    sub_link=sub_link,
-                    subtype=subtype_asset
-                )
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case _:
-                msg = 'Unknown expressions chain type %s!'
-                logger.error(msg, serialized_expr_chain['type'])
-                raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(
-                    msg % serialized_expr_chain['type']
-                )
-
-    def __repr__(self) -> str:
-        return str(self.to_dict())
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
 class LanguageGraph:
     """Graph representation of a MAL language"""
 
-    def __init__(self, lang: dict | None = None):
+    def __init__(self, lang_spec: dict | None = None):
+
         self.assets: dict[str, LanguageGraphAsset] = {}
-        if lang is not None:
-            self._lang_spec: dict = lang
+        self.lang_spec = lang_spec
+
+        if self.lang_spec is not None:
             self.metadata = {
-                "version": lang["defines"]["version"],
-                "id": lang["defines"]["id"],
+                "version": self.lang_spec["defines"]["version"],
+                "id": self.lang_spec["defines"]["id"],
             }
-            self._generate_graph()
+            self.assets = generate_graph(self.lang_spec)
 
     def __repr__(self) -> str:
-        return (f'LanguageGraph(id: "{self.metadata.get("id", "N/A")}", '
-            f'version: "{self.metadata.get("version", "N/A")}")')
+        """String representation of a LanguageGraph"""
+        return (
+            f'LanguageGraph(id: "{self.metadata.get("id", "N/A")}", '
+            f'version: "{self.metadata.get("version", "N/A")}")'
+        )
 
     @classmethod
     def from_mal_spec(cls, mal_spec_file: str) -> LanguageGraph:
@@ -708,8 +54,7 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         mal_spec_file   -   the path to the .mal file
 
         """
-        logger.info("Loading mal spec %s", mal_spec_file)
-        return LanguageGraph(MalCompiler().compile(mal_spec_file))
+        return language_graph_from_mal_spec(mal_spec_file)
 
     @classmethod
     def from_mar_archive(cls, mar_archive: str) -> LanguageGraph:
@@ -721,28 +66,13 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         mar_archive     -   the path to a ".mar" archive
 
         """
-        logger.info('Loading mar archive %s', mar_archive)
-        with zipfile.ZipFile(mar_archive, 'r') as archive:
-            langspec = archive.read('langspec.json')
-            return LanguageGraph(json.loads(langspec))
-
-    def _to_dict(self):
-        """Converts LanguageGraph into a dict"""
-        logger.debug(
-            'Serializing %s assets.', len(self.assets.items())
-        )
-
-        serialized_graph = {'metadata': self.metadata}
-        for asset in self.assets.values():
-            serialized_graph[asset.name] = asset.to_dict()
-
-        return serialized_graph
+        return language_graph_from_mar_archive(mar_archive)
 
     @property
     def associations(self) -> set[LanguageGraphAssociation]:
         """Return all associations in the language graph.
         """
-        return {assoc for asset in self.assets.values() for assoc in asset.associations.values()}
+        return get_language_graph_associations(self)
 
     @staticmethod
     def _link_association_to_assets(
@@ -755,151 +85,12 @@ class LanguageGraph:
 
     def save_to_file(self, filename: str) -> None:
         """Save to json/yml depending on extension"""
-        return save_dict_to_file(filename, self._to_dict())
-
-    @classmethod
-    def _from_dict(cls, serialized_graph: dict) -> LanguageGraph:
-        """Rebuild a LanguageGraph instance from its serialized dict form."""
-        logger.debug('Create language graph from dictionary.')
-        lang_graph = LanguageGraph()
-        lang_graph.metadata = serialized_graph.pop('metadata')
-
-        # Create asset nodes
-        for asset in serialized_graph.values():
-            logger.debug('Create asset %s', asset['name'])
-            lang_graph.assets[asset['name']] = LanguageGraphAsset(
-                name=asset['name'],
-                own_associations={},
-                attack_steps={},
-                info=asset['info'],
-                own_super_asset=None,
-                own_sub_assets=list(),
-                own_variables={},
-                is_abstract=asset['is_abstract']
-            )
-
-        # Link inheritance
-        for asset in serialized_graph.values():
-            asset_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
-            if super_name := asset['super_asset']:
-                try:
-                    super_asset = lang_graph.assets[super_name]
-                except KeyError:
-                    msg = f'Super asset "{super_name}" for "{asset["name"]}" not found'
-                    logger.error(msg)
-                    raise LanguageGraphSuperAssetNotFoundError(msg)
-
-                super_asset.own_sub_assets.append(asset_node)
-                asset_node.own_super_asset = super_asset
-
-        # Associations
-        for asset in serialized_graph.values():
-            logger.debug('Create associations for asset %s', asset['name'])
-            a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
-            for assoc in asset['associations'].values():
-                try:
-                    left = lang_graph.assets[assoc['left']['asset']]
-                    right = lang_graph.assets[assoc['right']['asset']]
-                except KeyError as e:
-                    side = 'Left' if 'left' in str(e) else 'Right'
-                    msg = f'{side} asset for association "{assoc["name"]}" not found'
-                    logger.error(msg)
-                    raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(msg)
-                assoc_node = LanguageGraphAssociation(
-                    name=assoc['name'],
-                    left_field=LanguageGraphAssociationField(
-                        left, assoc['left']['fieldname'],
-                        assoc['left']['min'], assoc['left']['max']
-                    ),
-                    right_field=LanguageGraphAssociationField(
-                        right, assoc['right']['fieldname'],
-                        assoc['right']['min'], assoc['right']['max']
-                    ),
-                    info=assoc['info']
-                )
-                lang_graph._link_association_to_assets(assoc_node, left, right)
-
-        # Variables
-        for asset in serialized_graph.values():
-            a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
-            for var, (target_name, expr_dict) in asset['variables'].items():
-                target = lang_graph.assets[target_name]
-                a_node.own_variables[var] = (
-                    target, ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr_dict, lang_graph)
-                )
-
-        # Attack steps
-        for asset in serialized_graph.values():
-            a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
-            for step in asset['attack_steps'].values():
-                a_node.attack_steps[step['name']] = LanguageGraphAttackStep(
-                    name=step['name'],
-                    type=step['type'],
-                    asset=a_node,
-                    ttc=step['ttc'],
-                    overrides=step['overrides'],
-                    own_children={}, own_parents={},
-                    info=step['info'],
-                    tags=list(step['tags'])
-                )
-
-        # Inheritance for attack steps
-        for asset in serialized_graph.values():
-            a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
-            for step in asset['attack_steps'].values():
-                if not (inh := step.get('inherits')):
-                    continue
-                a_step = a_node.attack_steps[step['name']]
-                a_name, s_name = disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(inh)
-                a_step.inherits = lang_graph.assets[a_name].attack_steps[s_name]
-
-        # Expression chains and requirements
-        for asset in serialized_graph.values():
-            a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
-            for step in asset['attack_steps'].values():
-                s_node = a_node.attack_steps[step['name']]
-                for tgt_name, exprs in step['own_children'].items():
-                    t_asset, t_step = disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(tgt_name)
-                    t_node = lang_graph.assets[t_asset].attack_steps[t_step]
-                    for expr in exprs:
-                        chain = ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr, lang_graph)
-                        s_node.own_children.setdefault(t_node, []).append(chain)
-                for tgt_name, exprs in step['own_parents'].items():
-                    t_asset, t_step = disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(tgt_name)
-                    t_node = lang_graph.assets[t_asset].attack_steps[t_step]
-                    for expr in exprs:
-                        chain = ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr, lang_graph)
-                        s_node.own_parents.setdefault(t_node, []).append(chain)
-                if step['type'] in ('exist', 'notExist') and (reqs := step.get('requires')):
-                    s_node.own_requires = [
-                        chain for expr in reqs
-                        if (chain := ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr, lang_graph))
-                    ]
-
-        return lang_graph
+        return save_dict_to_file(filename, language_graph_to_dict(self))
 
     @classmethod
     def load_from_file(cls, filename: str) -> LanguageGraph:
         """Create LanguageGraph from mal, mar, yaml or json"""
-        lang_graph = None
-        if filename.endswith('.mal'):
-            lang_graph = cls.from_mal_spec(filename)
-        elif filename.endswith('.mar'):
-            lang_graph = cls.from_mar_archive(filename)
-        elif filename.endswith(('.yaml', '.yml')):
-            lang_graph = cls._from_dict(load_dict_from_yaml_file(filename))
-        elif filename.endswith('.json'):
-            lang_graph = cls._from_dict(load_dict_from_json_file(filename))
-        else:
-            raise TypeError(
-                "Unknown file extension, expected json/mal/mar/yml/yaml"
-            )
-
-        if lang_graph:
-            return lang_graph
-        raise LanguageGraphException(
-            f'Failed to load language graph from file "{filename}".'
-        )
+        return load_language_graph_from_file(filename)
 
     def save_language_specification_to_json(self, filename: str) -> None:
         """Save a MAL language specification dictionary to a JSON file
@@ -910,9 +101,8 @@ class LanguageGraph:
 
         """
         logger.info('Save language specification to %s', filename)
-
         with open(filename, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as file:
-            json.dump(self._lang_spec, file, indent=4)
+            json.dump(self.lang_spec, file, indent=4)
 
     def process_attack_step_expression(
         self,
@@ -927,9 +117,8 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         step. All other step expressions only modify the target
         asset and parent associations chain.
         """
-        return (
+        return process_attack_step_expression(
             target_asset,
-            None,
             step_expression['name']
         )
 
@@ -937,7 +126,7 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         self,
         target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset,
         expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
-        step_expression: dict[str, Any]
+        step_expression: dict[str, Any],
     ) -> tuple[
             LanguageGraphAsset,
             ExpressionsChain,
@@ -946,67 +135,22 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         """The set operators are used to combine the left hand and right
         hand targets accordingly.
         """
-        lh_target_asset, lh_expr_chain, _ = self.process_step_expression(
-            target_asset,
-            expr_chain,
-            step_expression['lhs']
-        )
-        rh_target_asset, rh_expr_chain, _ = self.process_step_expression(
-            target_asset,
-            expr_chain,
-            step_expression['rhs']
-        )
-
-        assert lh_target_asset, (
-            f"No lh target in step expression {step_expression}"
-        )
-        assert rh_target_asset, (
-            f"No rh target in step expression {step_expression}"
-        )
-
-        if not lh_target_asset.get_all_common_superassets(rh_target_asset):
-            raise ValueError(
-                "Set operation attempted between targets that do not share "
-                f"any common superassets: {lh_target_asset.name} "
-                f"and {rh_target_asset.name}!"
-            )
-
-        new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-            type=step_expression['type'],
-            left_link=lh_expr_chain,
-            right_link=rh_expr_chain
-        )
-        return (
-            lh_target_asset,
-            new_expr_chain,
-            None
+        return process_set_operation_step_expression(
+            self.assets, target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression, self.lang_spec
         )
 
     def process_variable_step_expression(
         self,
         target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset,
-        step_expression: dict[str, Any]
+        step_expression: dict[str, Any],
     ) -> tuple[
             LanguageGraphAsset,
             ExpressionsChain,
             None
         ]:
 
-        var_name = step_expression['name']
-        var_target_asset, var_expr_chain = (
-            self._resolve_variable(target_asset, var_name)
-        )
-
-        if var_expr_chain is None:
-            raise LookupError(
-                f'Failed to find variable "{step_expression["name"]}" '
-                f'for {target_asset.name}',
-            )
-
-        return (
-            var_target_asset,
-            var_expr_chain,
-            None
+        return process_variable_step_expression(
+            self.assets, target_asset, step_expression, self.lang_spec
         )
 
     def process_field_step_expression(
@@ -1022,46 +166,15 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         asset given the specified field name and add the parent
         fieldname and association to the parent associations chain.
         """
-        fieldname = step_expression['name']
-
-        if target_asset is None:
-            raise ValueError(
-                f'Missing target asset for field "{fieldname}"!'
-            )
-
-        new_target_asset = None
-        for association in target_asset.associations.values():
-            if (association.left_field.fieldname == fieldname and
-                target_asset.is_subasset_of(
-                    association.right_field.asset)):
-                new_target_asset = association.left_field.asset
-
-            if (association.right_field.fieldname == fieldname and
-                target_asset.is_subasset_of(
-                    association.left_field.asset)):
-                new_target_asset = association.right_field.asset
-
-            if new_target_asset:
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type='field',
-                    fieldname=fieldname,
-                    association=association
-                )
-                return (
-                    new_target_asset,
-                    new_expr_chain,
-                    None
-                )
-
-        raise LookupError(
-            f'Failed to find field {fieldname} on asset {target_asset.name}!',
+        return process_field_step_expression(
+            target_asset, step_expression
         )
 
     def process_transitive_step_expression(
         self,
         target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset,
         expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
-        step_expression: dict[str, Any]
+        step_expression: dict[str, Any],
     ) -> tuple[
             LanguageGraphAsset,
             ExpressionsChain,
@@ -1070,28 +183,15 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         """Create a transitive tuple entry that applies to the next
         component of the step expression.
         """
-        result_target_asset, result_expr_chain, _ = (
-            self.process_step_expression(
-                target_asset,
-                expr_chain,
-                step_expression['stepExpression']
-            )
-        )
-        new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-            type='transitive',
-            sub_link=result_expr_chain
-        )
-        return (
-            result_target_asset,
-            new_expr_chain,
-            None
+        return process_transitive_step_expression(
+            self.assets, target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression, self.lang_spec
         )
 
     def process_subType_step_expression(
         self,
         target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset,
         expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
-        step_expression: dict[str, Any]
+        step_expression: dict[str, Any],
     ) -> tuple[
             LanguageGraphAsset,
             ExpressionsChain,
@@ -1101,47 +201,15 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         component of the step expression and changes the target
         asset to the subasset.
         """
-        subtype_name = step_expression['subType']
-        result_target_asset, result_expr_chain, _ = (
-            self.process_step_expression(
-                target_asset,
-                expr_chain,
-                step_expression['stepExpression']
-            )
-        )
-
-        if subtype_name not in self.assets:
-            raise LanguageGraphException(
-                f'Failed to find subtype {subtype_name}'
-            )
-
-        subtype_asset = self.assets[subtype_name]
-
-        if result_target_asset is None:
-            raise LookupError("Nonexisting asset for subtype")
-
-        if not subtype_asset.is_subasset_of(result_target_asset):
-            raise ValueError(
-                f'Found subtype {subtype_name} which does not extend '
-                f'{result_target_asset.name}, subtype cannot be resolved.'
-            )
-
-        new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-            type='subType',
-            sub_link=result_expr_chain,
-            subtype=subtype_asset
-        )
-        return (
-            subtype_asset,
-            new_expr_chain,
-            None
+        return process_subType_step_expression(
+            self.assets, target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression, self.lang_spec
         )
 
     def process_collect_step_expression(
         self,
         target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset,
         expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
-        step_expression: dict[str, Any]
+        step_expression: dict[str, Any],
     ) -> tuple[
             LanguageGraphAsset,
             ExpressionsChain | None,
@@ -1150,45 +218,19 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         """Apply the right hand step expression to left hand step
         expression target asset and parent associations chain.
         """
-        lh_target_asset, lh_expr_chain, _ = self.process_step_expression(
-            target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression['lhs']
-        )
-
-        if lh_target_asset is None:
-            raise ValueError(
-                'No left hand asset in collect expression '
-                f'{step_expression["lhs"]}'
-            )
-
-        rh_target_asset, rh_expr_chain, rh_attack_step_name = (
-            self.process_step_expression(
-                lh_target_asset, None, step_expression['rhs']
-            )
-        )
-
-        new_expr_chain = lh_expr_chain
-        if rh_expr_chain:
-            new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                type='collect',
-                left_link=lh_expr_chain,
-                right_link=rh_expr_chain
-            )
-
-        return (
-            rh_target_asset,
-            new_expr_chain,
-            rh_attack_step_name
+        return process_collect_step_expression(
+            self.assets, target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression, self.lang_spec
         )
 
     def process_step_expression(self,
-            target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset,
-            expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
-            step_expression: dict
-        ) -> tuple[
-                LanguageGraphAsset,
-                ExpressionsChain | None,
-                str | None
-            ]:
+        target_asset: LanguageGraphAsset,
+        expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
+        step_expression: dict,
+    ) -> tuple[
+            LanguageGraphAsset,
+            ExpressionsChain | None,
+            str | None
+        ]:
         """Recursively process an attack step expression.
 
         Arguments:
@@ -1211,59 +253,15 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         associations chain, and the name of the attack step.
 
         """
-        if logger.isEnabledFor(logging.DEBUG):
-            # Avoid running json.dumps when not in debug
-            logger.debug(
-                'Processing Step Expression:\n%s',
-                json.dumps(step_expression, indent=2)
-            )
-
-        result: tuple[
-            LanguageGraphAsset,
-            ExpressionsChain | None,
-            str | None
-        ]
-
-        match (step_expression['type']):
-            case 'attackStep':
-                result = self.process_attack_step_expression(
-                    target_asset, step_expression
-                )
-            case 'union' | 'intersection' | 'difference':
-                result = self.process_set_operation_step_expression(
-                    target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression
-                )
-            case 'variable':
-                result = self.process_variable_step_expression(
-                    target_asset, step_expression
-                )
-            case 'field':
-                result = self.process_field_step_expression(
-                    target_asset, step_expression
-                )
-            case 'transitive':
-                result = self.process_transitive_step_expression(
-                    target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression
-                )
-            case 'subType':
-                result = self.process_subType_step_expression(
-                    target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression
-                )
-            case 'collect':
-                result = self.process_collect_step_expression(
-                    target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression
-                )
-            case _:
-                raise LookupError(
-                    f'Unknown attack step type: "{step_expression["type"]}"'
-                )
-        return result
+        return process_step_expression(
+            self.assets, target_asset, expr_chain, step_expression, self.lang_spec
+        )
 
     def reverse_expr_chain(
-            self,
-            expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
-            reverse_chain: ExpressionsChain | None
-        ) -> ExpressionsChain | None:
+        self,
+        expr_chain: ExpressionsChain | None,
+        reverse_chain: ExpressionsChain | None
+    ) -> ExpressionsChain | None:
         """Recursively reverse the associations chain. From parent to child or
         vice versa.
 
@@ -1280,505 +278,215 @@ class LanguageGraph:
         The resulting reversed associations chain.
 
         """
-        if not expr_chain:
-            return reverse_chain
-        match (expr_chain.type):
-            case 'union' | 'intersection' | 'difference' | 'collect':
-                left_reverse_chain = \
-                    self.reverse_expr_chain(expr_chain.left_link,
-                    reverse_chain)
-                right_reverse_chain = \
-                    self.reverse_expr_chain(expr_chain.right_link,
-                    reverse_chain)
-                if expr_chain.type == 'collect':
-                    new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                        type=expr_chain.type,
-                        left_link=right_reverse_chain,
-                        right_link=left_reverse_chain
-                    )
-                else:
-                    new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                        type=expr_chain.type,
-                        left_link=left_reverse_chain,
-                        right_link=right_reverse_chain
-                    )
-
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case 'transitive':
-                result_reverse_chain = self.reverse_expr_chain(
-                    expr_chain.sub_link, reverse_chain)
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type='transitive',
-                    sub_link=result_reverse_chain
-                )
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case 'field':
-                association = expr_chain.association
-
-                if not association:
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(
-                        "Missing association for expressions chain"
-                    )
-
-                if not expr_chain.fieldname:
-                    raise LanguageGraphException(
-                        "Missing field name for expressions chain"
-                    )
-
-                opposite_fieldname = association.get_opposite_fieldname(
-                    expr_chain.fieldname)
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type='field',
-                    association=association,
-                    fieldname=opposite_fieldname
-                )
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case 'subType':
-                result_reverse_chain = self.reverse_expr_chain(
-                    expr_chain.sub_link,
-                    reverse_chain
-                )
-                new_expr_chain = ExpressionsChain(
-                    type='subType',
-                    sub_link=result_reverse_chain,
-                    subtype=expr_chain.subtype
-                )
-                return new_expr_chain
-
-            case _:
-                msg = 'Unknown assoc chain element "%s"'
-                logger.error(msg, expr_chain.type)
-                raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(msg % expr_chain.type)
-
-    def _resolve_variable(self, asset: LanguageGraphAsset, var_name) -> tuple:
-        """Resolve a variable for a specific asset by variable name.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        asset       - a language graph asset to which the variable belongs
-        var_name    - a string representing the variable name
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A tuple containing the target asset and expressions chain required to
-        reach it.
+        return reverse_expr_chain(
+            expr_chain, reverse_chain
+        )
 
+    def regenerate_graph(self) -> None:
+        """Regenerate language graph starting from the MAL language specification
+        given in the constructor.
         """
-        if var_name not in asset.variables:
-            var_expr = self._get_var_expr_for_asset(asset.name, var_name)
-            target_asset, expr_chain, _ = self.process_step_expression(
-                asset,
-                None,
-                var_expr
-            )
-            asset.own_variables[var_name] = (target_asset, expr_chain)
-            return (target_asset, expr_chain)
-        return asset.variables[var_name]
+        self.assets = generate_graph(self.lang_spec)
 
-    def _create_associations_for_assets(
-            self,
-            lang_spec: dict[str, Any],
-            assets: dict[str, LanguageGraphAsset]
-        ) -> None:
-        """Link associations to assets based on the language specification.
+    def _to_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return language_graph_to_dict(self)
 
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        lang_spec   - the language specification dictionary
-        assets      - a dictionary of LanguageGraphAsset objects
-                      indexed by their names
 
-        """
-        for association_dict in lang_spec['associations']:
-            logger.debug(
-                'Create association language graph nodes for association %s',
-                association_dict['name']
-            )
+def disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(
+    attack_step_full_name: str
+) -> list[str]:
+    """From an attack step full name, get (asset_name, attack_step_name)"""
+    return attack_step_full_name.split(':')
 
-            left_asset_name = association_dict['leftAsset']
-            right_asset_name = association_dict['rightAsset']
 
-            if left_asset_name not in assets:
-                raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(
-                    f'Left asset "{left_asset_name}" for '
-                    f'association "{association_dict["name"]}" not found!'
-                )
-            if right_asset_name not in assets:
-                raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(
-                    f'Right asset "{right_asset_name}" for '
-                    f'association "{association_dict["name"]}" not found!'
-                )
+def language_graph_to_dict(graph: LanguageGraph) -> dict:
+    """Converts LanguageGraph into a dict"""
+    logger.debug(
+        'Serializing %s assets.', len(graph.assets.items())
+    )
 
-            left_asset = assets[left_asset_name]
-            right_asset = assets[right_asset_name]
+    serialized_graph = {'metadata': graph.metadata}
+    for asset in graph.assets.values():
+        serialized_graph[asset.name] = asset.to_dict()
+
+    return serialized_graph
+
+
+def language_graph_from_dict(serialized_graph: dict) -> LanguageGraph:
+    """Rebuild a LanguageGraph instance from its serialized dict form."""
+    logger.debug('Create language graph from dictionary.')
+    lang_graph = LanguageGraph()
+    lang_graph.metadata = serialized_graph.pop('metadata')
+
+    # Create asset nodes
+    for asset in serialized_graph.values():
+        logger.debug('Create asset %s', asset['name'])
+        lang_graph.assets[asset['name']] = LanguageGraphAsset(
+            name=asset['name'],
+            own_associations={},
+            attack_steps={},
+            info=asset['info'],
+            own_super_asset=None,
+            own_sub_assets=list(),
+            own_variables={},
+            is_abstract=asset['is_abstract']
+        )
 
+    # Link inheritance
+    for asset in serialized_graph.values():
+        asset_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
+        if super_name := asset['super_asset']:
+            try:
+                super_asset = lang_graph.assets[super_name]
+            except KeyError:
+                msg = f'Super asset "{super_name}" for "{asset["name"]}" not found'
+                logger.error(msg)
+                raise LanguageGraphSuperAssetNotFoundError(msg)
+
+            super_asset.own_sub_assets.append(asset_node)
+            asset_node.own_super_asset = super_asset
+
+    # Associations
+    for asset in serialized_graph.values():
+        logger.debug('Create associations for asset %s', asset['name'])
+        a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
+        for assoc in asset['associations'].values():
+            try:
+                left = lang_graph.assets[assoc['left']['asset']]
+                right = lang_graph.assets[assoc['right']['asset']]
+            except KeyError as e:
+                side = 'Left' if 'left' in str(e) else 'Right'
+                msg = f'{side} asset for association "{assoc["name"]}" not found'
+                logger.error(msg)
+                raise LanguageGraphAssociationError(msg)
             assoc_node = LanguageGraphAssociation(
-                name=association_dict['name'],
+                name=assoc['name'],
                 left_field=LanguageGraphAssociationField(
-                    left_asset,
-                    association_dict['leftField'],
-                    association_dict['leftMultiplicity']['min'],
-                    association_dict['leftMultiplicity']['max']
+                    left, assoc['left']['fieldname'],
+                    assoc['left']['min'], assoc['left']['max']
                 ),
                 right_field=LanguageGraphAssociationField(
-                    right_asset,
-                    association_dict['rightField'],
-                    association_dict['rightMultiplicity']['min'],
-                    association_dict['rightMultiplicity']['max']
+                    right, assoc['right']['fieldname'],
+                    assoc['right']['min'], assoc['right']['max']
                 ),
-                info=association_dict['meta']
+                info=assoc['info']
             )
-
-            # Add the association to the left and right asset
-            self._link_association_to_assets(
-                assoc_node, left_asset, right_asset
+            lang_graph._link_association_to_assets(assoc_node, left, right)
+
+    # Variables
+    for asset in serialized_graph.values():
+        a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
+        for var, (target_name, expr_dict) in asset['variables'].items():
+            target = lang_graph.assets[target_name]
+            a_node.own_variables[var] = (
+                target, ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr_dict, lang_graph)
             )
 
-    def _link_assets(
-            self,
-            lang_spec: dict[str, Any],
-            assets: dict[str, LanguageGraphAsset]
-        ) -> None:
-        """Link assets based on inheritance and associations.
-        """
-        for asset_dict in lang_spec['assets']:
-            asset = assets[asset_dict['name']]
-            if asset_dict['superAsset']:
-                super_asset = assets[asset_dict['superAsset']]
-                if not super_asset:
-                    msg = 'Failed to find super asset "%s" for asset "%s"!'
-                    logger.error(
-                        msg, asset_dict["superAsset"], asset_dict["name"])
-                    raise LanguageGraphSuperAssetNotFoundError(
-                        msg % (asset_dict["superAsset"], asset_dict["name"]))
-
-                super_asset.own_sub_assets.append(asset)
-                asset.own_super_asset = super_asset
-
-    def _set_variables_for_assets(
-            self, assets: dict[str, LanguageGraphAsset]
-        ) -> None:
-        """Set the variables for each asset based on the language specification.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        assets      - a dictionary of LanguageGraphAsset objects
-                      indexed by their names
-
-        """
-        for asset in assets.values():
-            logger.debug(
-                'Set variables for asset %s', asset.name
+    # Attack steps
+    for asset in serialized_graph.values():
+        a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
+        for step in asset['attack_steps'].values():
+            a_node.attack_steps[step['name']] = LanguageGraphAttackStep(
+                name=step['name'],
+                type=step['type'],
+                asset=a_node,
+                causal_mode=step.get('causal_mode'),
+                ttc=step['ttc'],
+                overrides=step['overrides'],
+                own_children={}, own_parents={},
+                info=step['info'],
+                tags=list(step['tags'])
             )
-            variables = self._get_variables_for_asset_type(asset.name)
-            for variable in variables:
-                if logger.isEnabledFor(logging.DEBUG):
-                    # Avoid running json.dumps when not in debug
-                    logger.debug(
-                        'Processing Variable Expression:\n%s',
-                        json.dumps(variable, indent=2)
-                    )
-                self._resolve_variable(asset, variable['name'])
-
-    def _generate_attack_steps(self, assets) -> None:
-        """
-        Generate attack steps for all assets and link them according to the
-        language specification.
-
-        This method performs three phases:
 
-        1. Create attack step nodes for each asset, including detectors.
-        2. Inherit attack steps from super-assets, respecting overrides.
-        3. Link attack steps via 'reaches' and evaluate 'exist'/'notExist'
-        requirements.
-
-        Args:
-            assets (dict): Mapping of asset names to asset objects.
-
-        Raises:
-            LanguageGraphStepExpressionError: If a step expression cannot be
-                resolved to a target asset or attack step.
-            LanguageGraphException: If an existence requirement cannot be
-                resolved.
-        """
-        langspec_dict = {}
-
-        for asset in assets.values():
-            logger.debug('Create attack steps language graph nodes for asset %s', asset.name)
-            for step_dict in self._get_attacks_for_asset_type(asset.name).values():
-                logger.debug(
-                    'Create attack step language graph nodes for %s', step_dict['name']
-                )
-                node = LanguageGraphAttackStep(
-                    name=step_dict['name'],
-                    type=step_dict['type'],
-                    asset=asset,
-                    ttc=step_dict['ttc'],
-                    overrides=(
-                        step_dict['reaches']['overrides']
-                        if step_dict['reaches'] else False
-                    ),
-                    own_children={}, own_parents={},
-                    info=step_dict['meta'],
-                    tags=list(step_dict['tags'])
-                )
-                langspec_dict[node.full_name] = step_dict
-                asset.attack_steps[node.name] = node
-
-                for det in step_dict.get('detectors', {}).values():
-                    node.detectors[det['name']] = Detector(
-                        context=Context(
-                            {lbl: assets[a] for lbl, a in det['context'].items()}
-                        ),
-                        name=det.get('name'),
-                        type=det.get('type'),
-                        tprate=det.get('tprate'),
-                    )
-
-        pending = list(self.assets.values())
-        while pending:
-            asset = pending.pop(0)
-            super_asset = asset.own_super_asset
-            if super_asset in pending:
-                # Super asset still needs processing, defer this asset
-                pending.append(asset)
+    # Inheritance for attack steps
+    for asset in serialized_graph.values():
+        a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
+        for step in asset['attack_steps'].values():
+            if not (inh := step.get('inherits')):
                 continue
-            if not super_asset:
-                continue
-            for super_step in super_asset.attack_steps.values():
-                current_step = asset.attack_steps.get(super_step.name)
-                if not current_step:
-                    node = LanguageGraphAttackStep(
-                        name=super_step.name,
-                        type=super_step.type,
-                        asset=asset,
-                        ttc=super_step.ttc,
-                        overrides=False,
-                        own_children={},
-                        own_parents={},
-                        info=super_step.info,
-                        tags=list(super_step.tags)
-                    )
-                    node.inherits = super_step
-                    asset.attack_steps[super_step.name] = node
-                elif current_step.overrides:
-                    continue
-                else:
-                    current_step.inherits = super_step
-                    current_step.tags += super_step.tags
-                    current_step.info |= super_step.info
-
-        for asset in self.assets.values():
-            for step in asset.attack_steps.values():
-                logger.debug('Determining children for attack step %s', step.name)
-                if step.full_name not in langspec_dict:
-                    continue
-
-                entry = langspec_dict[step.full_name]
-                for expr in (entry['reaches']['stepExpressions'] if entry['reaches'] else []):
-                    tgt_asset, chain, tgt_name = self.process_step_expression(step.asset, None, expr)
-                    if not tgt_asset:
-                        raise LanguageGraphStepExpressionError(
-                            'Failed to find target asset for:\n%s' % json.dumps(expr, indent=2)
-                        )
-                    if tgt_name not in tgt_asset.attack_steps:
-                        raise LanguageGraphStepExpressionError(
-                            'Failed to find target attack step %s on %s:\n%s' %
-                            (tgt_name, tgt_asset.name, json.dumps(expr, indent=2))
-                        )
-
-                    tgt = tgt_asset.attack_steps[tgt_name]
-                    step.own_children.setdefault(tgt, []).append(chain)
-                    tgt.own_parents.setdefault(step, []).append(self.reverse_expr_chain(chain, None))
-
-                if step.type in ('exist', 'notExist'):
-                    reqs = entry['requires']['stepExpressions'] if entry['requires'] else []
-                    if not reqs:
-                        raise LanguageGraphStepExpressionError(
-                            'Missing requirements for "%s" of type "%s":\n%s' %
-                            (step.name, step.type, json.dumps(entry, indent=2))
-                        )
-                    for expr in reqs:
-                        _, chain, _ = self.process_step_expression(step.asset, None, expr)
-                        if chain is None:
-                            raise LanguageGraphException(
-                                f'Failed to find existence step requirement for:\n{expr}'
-                            )
-                        step.own_requires.append(chain)
-
-    def _generate_graph(self) -> None:
-        """Generate language graph starting from the MAL language specification
-        given in the constructor.
-        """
-        # Generate all of the asset nodes of the language graph.
-        self.assets = {}
-        for asset_dict in self._lang_spec['assets']:
-            logger.debug(
-                'Create asset language graph nodes for asset %s',
-                asset_dict['name']
-            )
-            asset_node = LanguageGraphAsset(
-                name=asset_dict['name'],
-                own_associations={},
-                attack_steps={},
-                info=asset_dict['meta'],
-                own_super_asset=None,
-                own_sub_assets=list(),
-                own_variables={},
-                is_abstract=asset_dict['isAbstract']
-            )
-            self.assets[asset_dict['name']] = asset_node
-
-        # Link assets to each other
-        self._link_assets(self._lang_spec, self.assets)
-
-        # Add and link associations to assets
-        self._create_associations_for_assets(self._lang_spec, self.assets)
-
-        # Set the variables for each asset
-        self._set_variables_for_assets(self.assets)
-
-        # Add attack steps to the assets
-        self._generate_attack_steps(self.assets)
-
-    def _get_attacks_for_asset_type(self, asset_type: str) -> dict[str, dict]:
-        """Get all Attack Steps for a specific asset type.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        asset_type      - the name of the asset type we want to
-                          list the possible attack steps for
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A dictionary containing the possible attacks for the
-        specified asset type. Each key in the dictionary is an attack name
-        associated with a dictionary containing other characteristics of the
-        attack such as type of attack, TTC distribution, child attack steps
-        and other information
-
-        """
-        attack_steps: dict = {}
-        try:
-            asset = next(
-                asset for asset in self._lang_spec['assets']
-                    if asset['name'] == asset_type
-            )
-        except StopIteration:
-            logger.error(
-                'Failed to find asset type %s when looking'
-                'for attack steps.', asset_type
-            )
-            return attack_steps
-
-        logger.debug(
-            'Get attack steps for %s asset from '
-            'language specification.', asset['name']
-        )
-
-        attack_steps = {step['name']: step for step in asset['attackSteps']}
-
-        return attack_steps
-
-    def _get_associations_for_asset_type(self, asset_type: str) -> list[dict]:
-        """Get all associations for a specific asset type.
-
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        asset_type      - the name of the asset type for which we want to
-                          list the associations
-
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A list of dicts, where each dict represents an associations
-        for the specified asset type. Each dictionary contains
-        name and meta information about the association.
+            a_step = a_node.attack_steps[step['name']]
+            a_name, s_name = disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(inh)
+            a_step.inherits = lang_graph.assets[a_name].attack_steps[s_name]
+
+    # Expression chains and requirements
+    for asset in serialized_graph.values():
+        a_node = lang_graph.assets[asset['name']]
+        for step in asset['attack_steps'].values():
+            s_node = a_node.attack_steps[step['name']]
+            for tgt_name, exprs in step['own_children'].items():
+                t_asset, t_step = disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(tgt_name)
+                t_node = lang_graph.assets[t_asset].attack_steps[t_step]
+                for expr in exprs:
+                    chain = ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr, lang_graph)
+                    s_node.own_children.setdefault(t_node, []).append(chain)
+            for tgt_name, exprs in step['own_parents'].items():
+                t_asset, t_step = disaggregate_attack_step_full_name(tgt_name)
+                t_node = lang_graph.assets[t_asset].attack_steps[t_step]
+                for expr in exprs:
+                    chain = ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr, lang_graph)
+                    s_node.own_parents.setdefault(t_node, []).append(chain)
+            if step['type'] in ('exist', 'notExist') and (reqs := step.get('requires')):
+                s_node.own_requires = [
+                    chain for expr in reqs
+                    if (chain := ExpressionsChain._from_dict(expr, lang_graph))
+                ]
 
-        """
-        logger.debug(
-            'Get associations for %s asset from '
-            'language specification.', asset_type
+    return lang_graph
+
+
+def load_language_graph_from_file(filename: str) -> LanguageGraph:
+    """Create LanguageGraph from mal, mar, yaml or json"""
+    lang_graph = None
+    if filename.endswith('.mal'):
+        lang_graph = language_graph_from_mal_spec(filename)
+    elif filename.endswith('.mar'):
+        lang_graph = language_graph_from_mar_archive(filename)
+    elif filename.endswith(('.yaml', '.yml')):
+        lang_graph = language_graph_from_dict(load_dict_from_yaml_file(filename))
+    elif filename.endswith('.json'):
+        lang_graph = language_graph_from_dict(load_dict_from_json_file(filename))
+    else:
+        raise TypeError(
+            "Unknown file extension, expected json/mal/mar/yml/yaml"
         )
-        associations: list = []
-
-        asset = next((asset for asset in self._lang_spec['assets']
-            if asset['name'] == asset_type), None)
-        if not asset:
-            logger.error(
-                'Failed to find asset type %s when '
-                'looking for associations.', asset_type
-            )
-            return associations
-
-        assoc_iter = (assoc for assoc in self._lang_spec['associations']
-            if assoc['leftAsset'] == asset_type or
-                assoc['rightAsset'] == asset_type)
-        assoc = next(assoc_iter, None)
-        while assoc:
-            associations.append(assoc)
-            assoc = next(assoc_iter, None)
+    if lang_graph:
+        return lang_graph
+    raise LanguageGraphException(
+        f'Failed to load language graph from file "{filename}".'
+    )
 
-        return associations
 
-    def _get_variables_for_asset_type(
-            self, asset_type: str) -> list[dict]:
-        """Get variables for a specific asset type.
-        Note: Variables are the ones specified in MAL through `let` statements
+def get_language_graph_associations(language_graph: LanguageGraph):
+    return {
+        assoc for asset in language_graph.assets.values()
+        for assoc in asset.associations.values()
+    }
 
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        asset_type      - a string representing the asset type which
-                          contains the variables
 
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A list of dicts representing the step expressions for the variables
-        belonging to the asset.
+def language_graph_from_mal_spec(mal_spec_file: str) -> LanguageGraph:
+    """Create a LanguageGraph from a .mal file (a MAL spec).
 
-        """
-        asset_dict = next((asset for asset in self._lang_spec['assets']
-            if asset['name'] == asset_type), None)
-        if not asset_dict:
-            msg = 'Failed to find asset type %s in language specification '\
-                'when looking for variables.'
-            logger.error(msg, asset_type)
-            raise LanguageGraphException(msg % asset_type)
+    Arguments:
+    ---------
+    mal_spec_file   -   the path to the .mal file
 
-        return asset_dict['variables']
+    """
+    logger.info("Loading mal spec %s", mal_spec_file)
+    return LanguageGraph(MalCompiler().compile(mal_spec_file))
 
-    def _get_var_expr_for_asset(
-            self, asset_type: str, var_name) -> dict:
-        """Get a variable for a specific asset type by variable name.
 
-        Arguments:
-        ---------
-        asset_type      - a string representing the type of asset which
-                          contains the variable
-        var_name        - a string representing the variable name
+def language_graph_from_mar_archive(mar_archive: str) -> LanguageGraph:
+    """Create a LanguageGraph from a ".mar" archive provided by malc
+    (https://github.com/mal-lang/malc).
 
-        Return:
-        ------
-        A dictionary representing the step expression for the variable.
+    Arguments:
+    ---------
+    mar_archive     -   the path to a ".mar" archive
 
-        """
-        vars_dict = self._get_variables_for_asset_type(asset_type)
-
-        var_expr = next((var_entry['stepExpression'] for var_entry
-            in vars_dict if var_entry['name'] == var_name), None)
+    """
+    logger.info('Loading mar archive %s', mar_archive)
+    with zipfile.ZipFile(mar_archive, 'r') as archive:
+        langspec = archive.read('langspec.json')
+        return LanguageGraph(json.loads(langspec))
 
-        if not var_expr:
-            msg = 'Failed to find variable name "%s" in language '\
-                'specification when looking for variables for "%s" asset.'
-            logger.error(msg, var_name, asset_type)
-            raise LanguageGraphException(msg % (var_name, asset_type))
-        return var_expr
 
-    def regenerate_graph(self) -> None:
-        """Regenerate language graph starting from the MAL language specification
-        given in the constructor.
-        """
-        self.assets = {}
-        self._generate_graph()