Introduction to Malware
Malware making is the part of cybersecurity course. Malware (Malicious Software) is any program designed to harm, exploit, or infiltrate a system without the user's consent. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and more.
Types of Malware
1. Viruses
- Attaches itself to clean files and spreads when executed.
- Example: ILOVEYOU, Melissa.
2. Worms
- Self-replicating malware that spreads over networks.
- Example: WannaCry, Conficker.
3. Trojans
- Disguised as legitimate software but performs malicious actions.
- Example: Zeus , Emotet.
4. Ransomware
- Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
- Example: REvil , LockBit.
5. Spyware
- Secretly monitors user activity (keyloggers, screen capture).
- Example: DarkComet , FinFisher.
6. Rootkits
- Gains privileged access and hides malicious processes.
- Example: Stuxnet , TDL4.
7. Adware
- Displays unwanted ads and collects user data.
- Example: Fireball , Superfish.
8. Botnets
- Infected devices controlled remotely (DDoS, spam).
- Example: Mirai , Zeus.
Malware Analysis Techniques
1. Static Analysis
- Examines malware without executing it.
- Tools: PEiD , Exeinfo PE , Strings , IDA Pro , Ghidra.
- Techniques:
- File hashing (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256).
- Header analysis (PE, ELF, Mach-O).
- Strings extraction.
- Disassembly & decompilation.
2. Dynamic Analysis
- Executes malware in a controlled environment.
Tools: Cuckoo Sandbox , Process Monitor , Wireshark , FakeNet.
Techniques:
- API call monitoring.
- Registry & file system changes.
- Network traffic analysis.
- Behavioral analysis.
3. Hybrid Analysis
- Combines static and dynamic techniques.
Tools: Hybrid Analysis , VirusTotal , Joe Sandbox.
Malware Analysis Lab Setup
1. Isolated Environment
- Use virtual machines (VMWare, VirtualBox).
- Disable shared folders & clipboard.
- Use Windows 10/11 (for malware targeting Windows).
2. Analysis Tools
Static Analysis:
PE Explorer (PE header analysis).
Ghidra (reverse engineering).
Detect It Easy (DIE) (packer detection).
Dynamic Analysis:
- Process Hacker (monitor processes).
- ProcMon (registry/file monitoring).
- Wireshark (network traffic).
- FakeNet-NG (simulate network).
Sandboxing:
- Cuckoo Sandbox (automated analysis).
- Any.Run (interactive sandbox).
3. Malware Samples
Legitimate Sources:
- MalwareBazaar (https://bazaar.abuse.ch)
- VirusShare (https://virusshare.com)
- TheZoo (GitHub repo).
⚠️ Warning: Never run malware on a host machine. Always use a disposable VM with no internet access.
Step-by-Step Malware Analysis
1. Initial Assessment
- Check file type (`file`, `Exeinfo PE`).
- Calculate hashes (`md5sum`, `sha256sum`).
- Scan with VirusTotal (https://www.virustotal.com).
2. Static Analysis
- Extract strings (`strings`, `FLOSS`).
- Detect packers/obfuscation (`PEiD`, `Detect It Easy`).
- Disassemble with **Ghidra/IDA Pro.
3. Dynamic Analysis
- Run in Cuckoo Sandbox.
- Monitor processes (`Process Hacker`).
- Capture network traffic (`Wireshark`).
- Check persistence mechanisms (Registry, Startup).
4. Reverse Engineering
- Use Ghidra IDA Pro for decompilation.
- Analyze API calls (`Import Address Table`).
- Debug with x64dbg/OllyDbg.
5. Reporting
- Document findings (IOCs, behavior, C2 servers).
- Extract YARA rules for detection.
Advanced Malware Analysis
1. Analyzing Packed Malware
Unpacking Tools:
- UPX (for UPX-packed malware).
- x64dbg (manual unpacking).
2. Analyzing Shellcode
Tools:
- scdbg (shellcode debugger).
- Libemu (shellcode emulator).
3. Analyzing Document-Based Malware (PDF, Office)
Tools:
- oleid (Office file analysis).
- PDFiD (PDF analysis).
4. Analyzing Ransomware
- Check encryption routines.
- Look for ransom note patterns.
- Analyze C2 communication.
Malware Detection & Prevention
1. Signature-Based Detection
- Uses known malware hashes (YARA rules, ClamAV).
2. Behavioral Detection
- Monitors unusual activities (Cylance, CrowdStrike).
3. Heuristic Analysis
- Detects unknown malware based on behavior.
4. Endpoint Protection
- EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) tools:
- CrowdStrike Falcon
- Microsoft Defender ATP
5. Network-Based Protection
- Firewalls , IDS/IPS , SIEM (Splunk, ELK).
Conclusion
- Malware analysis requires both static and dynamic techniques.
- Always analyze in a safe, isolated environment.
- Keep learning reverse engineering and behavioral analysis.
- Stay updated with new malware trends (fileless malware, AI-based attacks).
🔹 Next Steps:
Module 6: Sniffing & Session Hijacking
- Practice with CTF challenges (MalwareTech, Flare-On).
- Join malware research communities (Malwarebytes, BleepingComputer).
- Contribute to open-source malware analysis tools.
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