CEH-Module7 - Malware Threats
Website Visitors:Malware
Malware, short for “malicious software,” refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage, gain unauthorized access, or disrupt a computer system, network, or device. It encompasses various types, each with unique characteristics and purposes. Here are the major types of malware:
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Viruses: Viruses attach themselves to clean files and replicate when the infected file is executed. They can corrupt or delete data and spread to other systems.
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Worms: Worms are standalone malware that replicate to spread across networks, often without user intervention. They consume bandwidth, slow down systems, and can cause system crashes.
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Trojans: Named after the Trojan horse from Greek mythology, Trojans appear harmless but contain malicious code. They create backdoors for hackers, steal sensitive information, or harm systems.
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Ransomware: This encrypts files on a system, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. It’s a significant threat, causing data loss and disrupting businesses.
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Spyware: Spyware secretly gathers information about a user’s activities without their knowledge. It can track browsing habits, collect personal data, or monitor keystrokes.
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Adware: Adware displays unwanted advertisements and can redirect users to malicious websites. It’s often bundled with free software and generates revenue for its creators through clicks or views.
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Rootkits: A rootkit is a type of malicious software that’s designed to gain unauthorized access to a computer or system and remain undetected by users and security measures. It can hide its presence or the presence of other malicious software, allowing attackers to control the system, steal information, or carry out other harmful activities without the user’s knowledge.
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Botnets: Botnets are networks of compromised computers controlled by a single entity. They’re used for various malicious activities, such as launching DDoS attacks or sending spam.
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Fileless malware: This type resides in a system’s memory without leaving traces on the hard drive. It’s harder to detect by traditional antivirus software.
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Keyloggers: Keyloggers record keystrokes on a device, capturing sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.
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Crypters: Crypters are software tools used to encrypt and obfuscate malware code, making it harder for antivirus programs to detect. They employ encryption algorithms and obfuscation techniques to modify malware code, making it unreadable or appearing benign to security scanners.
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Backdoor: A backdoor is a hidden way to get into a system without going through normal security measures. It can be used for good reasons by developers but can also be exploited by hackers for unauthorized access and malicious actions.
Each type of malware poses different risks and challenges for cybersecurity. Prevention measures, such as using antivirus software, regularly updating systems, and practicing safe browsing habits, are essential to mitigate the risks posed by malware.
Different Ways for Malware to Enter a System
Malware can enter a system through various avenues, taking advantage of vulnerabilities and unsuspecting users. Some common entry points include:
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Email Attachments and Links: Malicious attachments or links in emails can download malware when opened or clicked, especially if they appear to be from trusted sources.
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Infected Websites: Visiting compromised or malicious websites can initiate automatic downloads of malware onto your system without your knowledge or consent.
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Removable Media: Malware can spread through infected USB drives, external hard drives, or other removable media if plugged into an already infected system.
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Software Downloads: Downloading software, especially from unreliable or unverified sources, can lead to inadvertently installing malware disguised as legitimate applications.
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Phishing: Clicking on fraudulent links in emails, text messages, or social media platforms that appear legitimate can redirect users to fake websites designed to download malware onto their systems.
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Vulnerable Software: Exploiting security vulnerabilities in outdated or unpatched software can allow malware to infiltrate a system, especially if security patches haven’t been applied.
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Drive-By Downloads: Drive-by downloads refer to the automatic download and installation of software onto a user’s device without their consent or knowledge. These downloads are often initiated when a user visits a website, clicks on a malicious link, or interacts with compromised advertisements.
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Social Engineering: Trickery via social engineering techniques can deceive users into willingly downloading and installing malware, often disguised as helpful or necessary software updates.
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File Sharing Networks: Downloading files from peer-to-peer or file-sharing networks might expose users to malware-infected files shared by others on the network.
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Clickjacking: Tricking users into clicking on something different from what they perceive, often by overlaying an invisible layer on a legitimate website or by hiding clickable elements to capture unintended clicks. User sees a webpage but an invisible html frame is present on the top of the content. User thinks it is legit and clicks on the actual content that he sees but after clicking, it will redirect to another page. We have different browser plugins to disable clickjacking.
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Spear Phishing: Targeted email scams that appear legitimate, aiming to trick specific individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious content by posing as someone trustworthy.
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Malvertising: Malicious advertising that hides malware within online ads, redirecting users to harmful websites or triggering automatic downloads when they click on an infected ad.
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RTF Injection: Exploiting vulnerabilities in Rich Text Format (RTF) files, typically through crafted documents or attachments, to execute malicious code or implant malware into a system.
Protecting against these entry points involves practices like using robust antivirus software, keeping software up to date, being cautious with email attachments and links, and practicing safe browsing habits.
Malware Components
Malware can have various components, each serving specific purposes in compromising systems or data. Here’s a comprehensive list of common components:
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Loader: Initiates the malware and prepares it for execution.
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Virus: Self-replicating malicious code that attaches itself to clean files and spreads throughout a system or network.
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Worm: Similar to a virus but spreads independently across networks without needing to attach to files.
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Trojan: Disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it, often opening backdoors for attackers.
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Rootkit: Conceals malware presence by modifying system functions and evading detection.
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Spyware: Secretly gathers information about a user or organization without their consent, such as keystrokes, browsing habits, or sensitive data.
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Adware: Displays unwanted advertisements and can track user behavior to deliver targeted ads.
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Ransomware: Encrypts files or locks users out of their systems, demanding payment for their release.
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Keylogger: Records keystrokes to capture sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.
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Botnet: A network of infected computers (bots) controlled remotely by a command-and-control server, often used for coordinated attacks or spam distribution.
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Backdoor: Provides unauthorized access to a system, allowing remote control or further malware deployment.
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Exploit: Takes advantage of vulnerabilities in software or systems to execute malicious code.
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Payload: The main body of the malware that carries out its intended malicious actions.
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Trigger: The event or condition that activates the malicious payload.
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Binder: Merges multiple malware components into a single package for simultaneous execution.
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Downloader: Downloaders, as the name suggests, are malware components tasked with downloading additional malicious payloads or modules onto an infected system. Their primary function is to retrieve and execute secondary malware, providing attackers with expanded capabilities or enhancing the infection’s reach. Downloaders often communicate with command-and-control (C2) servers to fetch and install these payloads. They can be designed to bypass security measures, masquerading as legitimate files or utilizing various evasion techniques.
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Wrapper: Wrappers serve as a layer of obfuscation or protection for malware. They encapsulate the malicious payload within a layer of encryption or obfuscation to evade detection by security tools and analysis. This technique aims to make the malware more challenging to detect using traditional antivirus or security software. Wrappers often employ encryption, packers, or other methods to hide the true nature of the payload, making it harder for security analysts to uncover and analyze the malicious code.
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Dropper: Droppers are components of malware responsible for delivering and installing the primary payload onto a victim’s system. They act as a vehicle for the initial infection, often exploiting vulnerabilities or employing social engineering tactics to lure victims into executing them. Droppers can be standalone malware or part of a multi-stage attack, initiating the deployment of more sophisticated and damaging malware after successful infiltration. They might have various evasion techniques and methods to ensure persistence on the infected system.
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Crypter: A crypter is a tool used by cyber attackers to obfuscate, encrypt, or modify malicious code, making it harder for security software and analysts to detect or analyze. It essentially acts as a camouflage for malware, altering its code to evade antivirus or intrusion detection systems.
These components can work independently or in combination within a single malware instance, aiming to compromise systems, steal data, or cause disruption.
Adware
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is a type of malware that infiltrates devices to display unwanted advertisements. While it may not be as immediately threatening as other types of malware, adware can significantly disrupt user experience and compromise privacy.
Advanced Persistent Threat
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a sophisticated and targeted cyberattack where an unauthorized user gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. APTs are typically orchestrated by well-funded and skilled threat actors, such as nation-states or organized cybercrime groups, with specific objectives like espionage, data theft, or long-term access for monitoring and further attacks.
Key characteristics of APTs include:
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Sophistication: APT attacks involve advanced techniques, often customized for specific targets, using zero-day exploits or complex malware.
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Persistence: These attacks aim to remain undetected for long periods, maintaining access to systems or networks to continually gather information or perform malicious activities.
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Stealth: APT actors employ various evasion tactics, such as encryption, anti-forensic techniques, and masquerading as legitimate users, to avoid detection by security measures.
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Targeted Approach: APTs focus on specific organizations or entities, tailoring their attack strategies based on reconnaissance and research about the target’s vulnerabilities and infrastructure.
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Goals Beyond Immediate Gain: Rather than seeking immediate disruption or financial gain, APTs often have long-term strategic objectives, such as continuous surveillance, intellectual property theft, or influencing political landscapes.
Defending against APTs requires comprehensive security measures, including robust network monitoring, threat intelligence, regular security assessments, user training on recognizing phishing attempts, and implementing multi-layered security controls to detect and mitigate sophisticated threats.
What is Trojan
A Trojan, short for Trojan horse, is a type of malicious software that disguises itself as legitimate software or files to trick users into installing or executing it on their systems. Named after the wooden horse used to sneak Greek soldiers into Troy in Greek mythology, Trojans pretend to be harmless or beneficial while actually carrying out malicious activities.
Key points about Trojans:
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Disguise: Trojans often masquerade as useful or benign software, files, or email attachments. They might claim to be games, software updates, or security tools to entice users into running or installing them.
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Varied Functions: Trojans can perform various malicious actions, such as stealing sensitive information (like passwords or financial data), creating backdoors for hackers to access systems, launching DDoS attacks, or installing other malware.
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Payloads: Trojans contain a payload, which is the malicious part of the software that performs the intended harmful actions once activated.
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No Self-Replication: Unlike viruses or worms, Trojans do not self-replicate. They rely on social engineering tactics to convince users to install them.
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Delivery Methods: Trojans can be delivered through email attachments, downloads from compromised websites, or bundled with seemingly legitimate software.
Trojans are a common and versatile type of malware used by cybercriminals for various nefarious purposes. Protecting against Trojans involves employing strong security practices, such as using reputable antivirus software, being cautious when downloading or installing software from unknown sources, and staying vigilant against suspicious emails or links. Regular system updates and patches also help mitigate vulnerabilities that Trojans might exploit.
Different Ways In Deploying Trojan
There are several ways to deploy a Trojan, including:
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Email Attachment - An email containing an attachment can be used as the carrier for a Trojan. Once clicked by the recipient, it will execute and infect their system.
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Remote Access Software - A Trojan disguised as legitimate remote access software can be installed on a user’s machine to allow unauthorized remote access and control of the system.
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File Transfer Protocol (FTP) - A Trojan hiding in an FTP file can be downloaded onto a victim’s computer, infecting it with malicious code.
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Social Engineering Attacks - Using social engineering to trick users into installing or executing malware is another method of deploying a Trojan. This could involve phishing emails or fake websites that install the Trojan on the user’s machine without their knowledge.
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USB Drives - A Trojan hidden in an external hard drive can be inserted into a computer and run, infecting it with malicious code.
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Website Hacking - Websites can also be hacked to deploy a Trojan onto user’s machines by injecting the malware into the website’s source code.
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Browser Extensions and Add-ons - Some Trojans are disguised as legitimate browser extensions or add-ons, which can trick users into installing them and infecting their systems.
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Compromising a Trusted Website - A Trojan hidden in a trusted website’s downloadable file, such as an installer for a program, can be downloaded onto a user’s machine without their knowledge and infect it with malicious code.
Different Ways for Evading AntiVirus software
There are several techniques that cybercriminals use to evade detection by antivirus software when deploying a Trojan. These include:
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Use of Encryption - By encrypting the malware before it is sent, it becomes more difficult for antivirus programs to detect and block the infection.
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Packaging into a Portable Executable (PE) File - Incorporating the Trojan within a PE file can make it difficult for antivirus software to identify and quarantine the malware.
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Use of Rootkits - A rootkit is a type of malicious software that hides itself from security programs by modifying system files or processes, making it undetectable by antivirus software.
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Using Code Signing Certificates - By signing their malware with a legitimate code signing certificate, cybercriminals can trick security programs into allowing the malicious software to run on infected systems.
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Use of Steganography - This is the process of embedding hidden data within other types of data. Cybercriminals can use steganography techniques to hide their Trojan inside legitimate files or code, making it harder for security programs to detect and block the malware.
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Use of Sandboxes - A sandbox is a type of virtual environment where applications are run in isolation from the rest of the system. Cybercriminals can use these isolated environments to test their Trojans without affecting the integrity of the user’s machine.
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Use of Unofficial Downloading Sources - By downloading malware from unofficial sources, such as peer-to-peer networks or underground forums, cybercriminals can bypass security programs that scan downloads and block any potentially malicious software.
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Use of Invisible Network Packets - Some Trojans use stealth techniques to avoid detection by security programs by sending invisible network packets that are difficult to detect.
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Break the trojan into smaller pieces and reassemble them at the destination
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Write your own trojan because none of the IDS will have the signature of that file as it is new.
njRAT Trojan
Attackers use Remote Access Trojans (RATs) to infect the target machine to gain administrative access. RATs help an attacker to remotely access the complete GUI and control the victim’s computer without his/her awareness. They can perform screening and camera capture, code execution, keylogging, file access, password sniffing, registry management, and other tasks. The virus infects victims via phishing attacks and drive-by downloads and propagates through infected USB keys or networked drives. It can download and execute additional malware, execute shell commands, read and write registry keys, capture screenshots, log keystrokes, and spy on webcams.
njRAT is a RAT with powerful data-stealing capabilities. In addition to logging keystrokes, it is capable of accessing a victim’s camera, stealing credentials stored in browsers, uploading and downloading files, performing process and file manipulations, and viewing the victim’s desktop.
This RAT can be used to control Botnets (networks of computers), allowing the attacker to update, uninstall, disconnect, restart, and close the RAT, and rename its campaign ID. The attacker can further create and configure the malware to spread through USB drives with the help of the Command and Control server software.
Crypter
Crypter is a software that encrypts the original binary code of the .exe file to hide viruses, spyware, keyloggers, and RATs, among others, in any kind of file to make them undetectable by anti-viruses. SwayzCryptor is an encrypter (or “crypter”) that allows users to encrypt their program’s source code.
Virus
A computer virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a program or file on a computer. It replicates itself by attaching to other programs or files on the same computer, and can only spread from one computer to another through human interaction, such as:
- Running an infected program
- Opening an infected file
- Copying an infected file to another computer
A virus typically requires a host program to execute, and it can cause damage to the computer system, such as deleting files, crashing the system, or stealing sensitive information.
Infection and Replication:
- Infectious Nature: Viruses attach themselves to legitimate programs or files, infecting them and spreading when these files are executed or opened by users.
- Replication: They replicate by inserting their code into other programs or files, enabling them to spread across systems, networks, or devices.
Damage and Impact:
- Data Corruption: Viruses can corrupt or destroy data, rendering systems or files unusable.
- System Disruption: They can cause system slowdowns, crashes, or instability, impacting productivity and functionality.
- Information Theft: Some advanced viruses are designed to steal sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, or personal data.
Propagation Methods:
- Email Attachments: They often spread via infected email attachments, prompting users to open or download the malicious file.
- Drive-by Downloads: Visiting compromised websites can trigger automatic downloads of infected files without user consent.
- Removable Media: Viruses can spread through USB drives or other removable media by infecting files stored on them.
Detection and Prevention:
- Antivirus Software: Dedicated antivirus software detects and removes viruses by scanning files, monitoring system behavior, and blocking suspicious activities.
- Regular Updates: Keeping operating systems, software, and antivirus tools up to date with the latest security patches helps prevent virus infections.
- User Awareness: Educating users about safe browsing habits, avoiding suspicious links or attachments, and practicing caution when downloading files is crucial.
Evolution and Mitigation:
- Polymorphic Viruses: Some viruses can change their code to evade detection, making them more challenging to identify.
- Mitigation Strategies: Employing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation helps contain and prevent the spread of viruses.
Understanding viruses and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures is crucial in protecting systems, data, and networks from the damaging effects of these malicious entities.
Virus Makers
DELmE’s batch virus maker, JPS virus maker, Bhavesh virus maker, Deadly virus maker and more…
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files or lock users out of their systems until a ransom is paid. Here are key points about ransomware:
Encryption and Extortion:
Ransomware encrypts files on a victim’s device, making them inaccessible. It demands a ransom payment, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for a decryption key or to restore access.
Propagation:
It spreads through phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in software and networks.
Impact:
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Data Encryption: Ransomware encrypts files, rendering them unusable until a decryption key is obtained.
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Financial Loss: Victims face financial losses due to downtime, data recovery costs, and the ransom demand.
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Reputation Damage: For businesses, ransomware attacks can lead to reputation damage and loss of customer trust.
Variants and Evolution:
Ransomware comes in various forms, including encrypting, locking screens, and newer strains incorporating data theft, threatening to leak sensitive information.
Prevention and Mitigation:
- Backup: Regularly back up data to prevent total data loss.
- Security Software: Use reputable antivirus and antimalware solutions.
- Updates and Patches: Keep software and systems updated with the latest security patches.
- User Education: Educate users about recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious links.
Ransomware remains a significant cybersecurity threat, impacting individuals, businesses, and even critical infrastructure. Awareness, prevention, and robust cybersecurity measures are crucial in combating this evolving and damaging form of cybercrime.
Computer Worms
A worm is a type of malware that can spread from computer to computer without the need for human interaction. It can travel through networks, exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems or applications, and can replicate itself on other computers.
Worms do not require a host program to execute, and they can cause damage to computer systems, such as consuming bandwidth, crashing systems, or stealing sensitive information.
Self-Replicating Nature:
- Unlike viruses that require user interaction to spread, worms are self-replicating. They exploit security vulnerabilities to spread automatically from one system to another, often without any user action.
Propagation Mechanisms:
- Network Vulnerabilities: Worms exploit weaknesses in networks or software to infect other computers.
- Email and Messaging: Some worms spread via email attachments or through messaging platforms.
Damage and Impact:
- Network Congestion: Worms can consume network bandwidth, leading to slowdowns or congestion.
- Data Corruption: They might corrupt or delete files, impacting system functionality.
- Remote Control: In some cases, worms create backdoors, allowing attackers remote control over infected systems.
Types of Worms:
- Internet Worms: Propagate across the internet, targeting vulnerabilities in network protocols.
- Email Worms: Spread via email attachments or links, utilizing social engineering tactics to trick users into opening infected files.
Prevention and Mitigation:
- Patch Management: Regularly update systems and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Firewalls and Intrusion Detection: Implement firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and block suspicious network activity.
- Antivirus Software: Use reputable antivirus solutions to detect and remove worms.
Key differences between virus and worm:
- Spread: Viruses require human interaction to spread, while worms can spread automatically through networks.
- Host requirement: Viruses need a host program to execute, while worms do not.
- Replication: Viruses replicate by attaching to other programs or files, while worms replicate by exploiting vulnerabilities in systems or applications.
Internet worm maker thing
is an open source tool for creating worms.
Fileless malware
Fileless malware is a type of malicious software that operates without leaving traditional traces on a system’s hard drive. Instead of relying on files and executables, fileless malware resides in system memory or uses legitimate system tools to execute its malicious activities. Key points about fileless malware:
Memory-Based Execution: Fileless malware operates in system memory, leveraging existing processes and tools, making detection and removal challenging.
No Traditional File Traces: It avoids creating files on the hard drive, evading detection by traditional antivirus software that typically scans files for threats.
Legitimate System Tools: Fileless malware often exploits trusted system tools or applications (such as PowerShell or WMI) to execute malicious commands, blending in with legitimate activities.
Persistence and Evasion: It aims to maintain persistence on a system by residing in memory or utilizing system configurations, making it harder to detect and remove.
Propagation Methods: Fileless malware often spreads via phishing emails, malicious websites, or through vulnerabilities in software or systems.
Detection Challenges: Traditional signature-based antivirus solutions may struggle to detect fileless malware due to their non-traditional nature, requiring more advanced behavioral analysis and endpoint detection solutions.
Prevention and Mitigation:
- Implementing endpoint protection that focuses on behavioral analysis and anomaly detection.
- Regularly updating systems and applications to patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by fileless malware.
- Educating users about recognizing and avoiding suspicious emails or websites that could deliver fileless malware.
Fileless malware poses a significant challenge to cybersecurity because of its elusive nature and the difficulty in detecting and removing it. As this type of malware evolves, cybersecurity measures need to adapt, focusing on advanced threat detection and proactive defense strategies to combat these sophisticated attacks.
Sheep Dip Computer
“Sheep dip” in the context of computers refers to a security concept rather than a specific type of computer. A sheep dip computer is installed with port monitors, file monitors, network monitors, and antivirus software and connects to a network only under strictly controlled conditions.
Sheep Dip Computer (or Sheepdip Machine):
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Purpose: A sheep dip computer is a dedicated system used for scanning, detecting, and cleaning potentially infected or suspicious files from external storage devices, such as floppy disks, USB drives, or external hard drives, before introducing them to an organization’s network or primary systems.
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Isolation: This computer is often isolated from the main network to prevent any potential infections from spreading. It serves as a safeguard, allowing for the examination of files without risking the integrity of the primary systems or network.
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Scanning and Cleaning: The sheep dip computer typically runs antivirus or security software to thoroughly scan the external storage devices for malware, viruses, or any other potential threats. If it detects any malicious content, it cleans or removes the infected files before they can affect the primary systems.
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Analogous to Dipping Sheep: The term “sheep dip” draws an analogy to the process of dipping sheep in an antiparasitic solution to protect them from external parasites. Similarly, the computer functions as a preventive measure to protect the network from potential threats carried by external storage media.
Sheep dip computers were more commonly used in earlier computing eras when removable media, like floppy disks, were prevalent and posed a higher risk of spreading viruses or malware. Today, while the use of physical removable media has diminished, the concept of scanning and sanitizing external content before introducing it to a secure environment remains relevant in cybersecurity practices.
Malware Analysis
Malware analysis is the process of examining malicious software (malware) to understand its functionalities, behavior, and potential impact on computer systems or networks. This analysis helps in developing countermeasures, enhancing cybersecurity, and understanding the techniques employed by cyber attackers. Here are different types of malware analysis:
Static Analysis:
- Code Examination: Involves analyzing the malware’s code without executing it. This includes inspecting file structures, strings, and metadata to identify patterns or signatures associated with known malware families.
- File Analysis: Examining file headers, metadata, and content to identify suspicious elements or behavior without running the file.
Dynamic Analysis:
- Behavioral Analysis: Involves executing malware in a controlled environment (sandbox) to observe its behavior. This includes monitoring system changes, network activity, file modifications, and any malicious actions taken by the malware.
- Runtime Monitoring: Using tools to monitor the malware’s activities during execution, such as process creation, registry changes, and network communication.
Code Analysis:
- Reverse Engineering: Involves disassembling or decompiling the malware’s code to understand its functionalities, logic, and how it operates.
- Memory Analysis: Examining the malware’s behavior in system memory, such as analyzing injected code or hooks within running processes.
Behavior-Based Analysis:
- Pattern Recognition: Identifying known behavioral patterns associated with specific types of malware, such as ransomware encrypting files or spyware capturing keystrokes.
- Anomaly Detection: Detecting deviations from normal system behavior caused by malware, enabling the identification of previously unknown threats.
Hybrid Analysis:
- Combining Techniques: Utilizing a combination of static and dynamic analysis approaches to comprehensively understand malware behavior and characteristics.
- Automated Analysis: Using automated tools and machine learning algorithms to process large volumes of malware samples and extract insights.
Post-Incident Analysis:
- Forensic Analysis: Investigating malware-related incidents after an attack to understand the attack vector, entry points, and the extent of damage caused to the system or network.
Each type of malware analysis offers unique insights into the behavior, capabilities, and potential impact of malicious software. Combining multiple analysis techniques helps in creating robust defense strategies, developing effective countermeasures, and improving overall cybersecurity resilience.
Malware analysis tools: IDA Pro, Ghidra, Radare2, PEiD, PEStudio, Cuckoo Sandbox, Joe Sandbox, Hybrid Analysis, INetSim, ProcMon, OllyDbg, x64dbg, Immunity Debugger, Binary Ninja, Hopper Disassembler, Wireshark, Snort, Sysinternals Suite, Volatility, Regshot, VirusTotal, Any.Run, FireEye Malware Analysis, Falcon Sandbox, VMRay Analyzer, EnCase, Autopsy, FTK (Forensic Toolkit), The Sleuth Kit, X-Ways Forensics.
File Fingerprinting
File fingerprinting in malware analysis involves creating unique identifiers or signatures for files to detect and categorize malware based on their characteristics. Here’s how it works:
Steps Involved in File Fingerprinting for Malware Analysis:
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File Identification:
- Selection: Choose the files (malware samples) for analysis, including executables, scripts, documents, or any potentially malicious files.
- Attributes: Gather file attributes like file size, file type, metadata, and hash values (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256) to uniquely identify the files.
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Hashing:
- Compute Hash Values: Use hashing algorithms (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, etc.) to generate cryptographic hash values unique to each file. This creates a “fingerprint” representing the file’s content.
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Signature Creation:
- Pattern Matching: Analyze the file’s content or structure to create signatures or patterns specific to the malware’s characteristics.
- YARA Rules: Develop YARA rules or signatures based on specific byte sequences, strings, or behavioral patterns found within the file.
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Database or Repository:
- Maintain Repository: Store the generated hash values, signatures, or YARA rules in a database or repository for future reference or comparison against new samples.
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Comparison and Detection:
- Matching: Compare new files against the existing database of hash values, signatures, or YARA rules to detect matches, identifying known malware.
- Detection Algorithms: Utilize algorithms or tools that employ file fingerprinting techniques to scan and identify files based on their unique characteristics.
Benefits of File Fingerprinting in Malware Analysis:
- Efficient Identification: Quickly identify known malware by comparing hash values or signatures against a database.
- Detection Sensitivity: Detect variations or modified versions of known malware by comparing file fingerprints.
- Automation: Automate the process of malware detection and classification using file fingerprinting techniques and signatures.
File fingerprinting is a crucial aspect of malware analysis, aiding in the swift identification and classification of known malware and assisting in the development of detection mechanisms for new threats.
Local And Online Malware Scanning
Malware analysis involves both local and online scanning methods to identify and analyze malicious software. Here’s a breakdown of both approaches:
Local Malware Scanning
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Installed Antivirus/Security Software:
- Real-time Protection: Antivirus programs continuously scan files and activities on a local system, detecting and blocking malware in real-time.
- On-Demand Scans: Users can perform manual scans of specific files, directories, or the entire system using installed security software.
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Local Sandbox or Virtual Machines
- Isolated Environment: Researchers set up controlled environments using sandboxes or virtual machines to execute and analyze suspicious files or malware samples locally.
- Behavioral Analysis: Allows for observing malware behavior without affecting the primary system, aiding in understanding its actions.
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Specialized Analysis Tools:
- Disassemblers/Decompilers: Tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Radare2 help in dissecting and understanding the inner workings of malware locally.
- Debuggers: Tools such as OllyDbg or x64dbg assist in dynamic analysis and debugging of malware behavior on a local system.
Online Malware Scanning
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Cloud-Based Antivirus Scans:
- Cloud Services: Websites like VirusTotal or MetaDefender allow users to upload files for scanning using multiple antivirus engines.
- Broad Detection: Provides results from various antivirus vendors, increasing the likelihood of detecting known malware.
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Online Sandboxes:
- Cloud-Based Analysis: Services like Any.Run or Hybrid Analysis offer online sandboxes where users can execute and observe malware behavior in a controlled environment.
- Behavioral Insights: Provides behavioral analysis and reports without the need for local setup.
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Remote Analysis Platforms:
- Managed Services: Some cybersecurity firms or research organizations offer remote malware analysis as a service, leveraging their expertise and infrastructure.
Hybrid Approaches
- Integrated Solutions:
- Hybrid Analysis Platforms: Combine both local and online capabilities, allowing for local analysis while also leveraging cloud-based scanning and detection engines.
- Comprehensive Insights: Offer a broader spectrum of analysis tools and detection capabilities by combining local resources with online services.
Benefits of Both Approaches
- Local: Greater control, detailed analysis, and deeper insights into malware behavior.
- Online: Broad detection capabilities, multiple engine scans, and quick access to diverse detection technologies.
Combining both local and online malware scanning methodologies provides a comprehensive approach to malware analysis, offering in-depth insights, broad detection capabilities, and leveraging the strengths of both approaches for effective threat detection and mitigation.
Strings search
In malware analysis, searching for strings within a binary or executable file is a fundamental technique to extract human-readable information, such as text, URLs, function names, or recognizable patterns. Here’s how it works:
Steps for String Searching in Malware Analysis:
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String Extraction:
- Tools: Use specialized tools like
strings
(a command-line utility), IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Binwalk to extract strings from the malware sample. - Parameters: Configure the tool to extract strings of a specific length or with certain characteristics (ASCII, Unicode, etc.).
- Tools: Use specialized tools like
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Analysis of Extracted Strings:
- Readable Content: Review extracted strings to identify readable text, function names, URLs, API calls, encryption keys, or other indicators of interest.
- Identifying Malicious Content: Look for suspicious or obfuscated strings that might indicate malware behavior, such as encoded payloads or command-and-control server URLs.
-
Filtering and Refinement:
- Filtering Out Noise: Filter out common strings or noise (like system libraries, standard messages, etc.) to focus on potentially malicious or relevant strings.
- Contextual Analysis: Analyze strings in context with other parts of the malware to understand their significance or purpose.
-
Behavioral Insights:
- Behavioral Correlation: Correlate identified strings with other behavioral analysis data to comprehend how certain strings relate to the malware’s actions or functionality.
- Dynamic Analysis Follow-Up: Use identified strings to conduct further dynamic analysis, like monitoring network traffic for specific URLs or observing registry modifications associated with extracted strings.
-
Reporting and Documentation:
- Documentation: Document relevant strings, their potential meanings, and their association with the malware’s behavior for reporting or further analysis.
- Insights for Mitigation: Provide insights into the malware’s functionality or potential mitigation strategies based on the identified strings.
Tools for String Search in Malware Analysis:
- Command-Line Tools:
strings
(Linux/Unix), Binwalk - Disassemblers: IDA Pro, Ghidra, Radare2
- Debuggers: OllyDbg, x64dbg, Immunity Debugger
You can also use other string searching tools such as FLOSS (https://www.fireeye.com), Strings (https://docs.microsoft.com), Free EXE DLL Resource Extract (https://www.resourceextract.com), or FileSeek (https://www.fileseek.ca) to perform string search.
Searching for strings in malware samples is an essential part of initial analysis, providing valuable insights into the inner workings, functionalities, and potential behaviors of the malicious software.
Finding the Portable Execution Information
When analyzing malware or executable files, discovering information related to their portable execution can reveal details about their behavior, dependencies, and potential impact.
The PE (Portable Executable) format is the file format used for executable files, object code, DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries), and others in Windows operating systems. It’s the standard format for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows executables. PE files contain information needed for the Windows loader to manage the executable, including headers, sections, and metadata.
Here are ways to find portable execution information:
PE Header Analysis (Windows Executables):
- PE Structure: Examine the Portable Executable (PE) header of Windows executable files using tools like
pefile
,objdump
, orreadelf
(for Linux) to gather information about sections, entry points, and libraries. - Entry Point: Identify the entry point (often the
EntryPoint
in the PE header) to understand where execution starts within the file.
The Portable Executable (PE) format is the executable file format used on Windows OSes that stores the information a Windows system requires to manage the executable code. The PE stores metadata about the program, which helps in finding additional details of the file. For instance, the Windows binary is in PE format that consists of information such as time of creation and modification, import and export functions, compilation time, DLLs, and linked files, as well as strings, menus, and symbols.
PE Explorer lets you open, view, and edit a variety of different 32-bit Windows executable file types (also called PE files) ranging from common such as EXE, DLL, and ActiveX Controls to less familiar types such as SCR (Screensavers), CPL (Control Panel Applets), SYS, MSSTYLES, BPL, DPL, and more (including executable files that run on MS Windows Mobile platform).
Dependency Analysis:
- Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs): Use tools like Dependency Walker (Windows) or
ldd
(Linux) to inspect dependencies and libraries required for execution. - API Imports: Analyze the Import Address Table (IAT) or Import Directory to identify APIs and functions the executable intends to use during runtime.
Any software program depends on the various inbuilt libraries of an OS that help in performing specified actions in a system. Programs need to work with internal system files to function correctly. Programs store their import and export functions in a kernel32.dll file. File dependencies contain information about the internal system files that the program needs to function properly; this includes the process of registration and location on the machine.
Find the libraries and file dependencies, as they contain information about the run-time requirements of an application. Then, check to find and analyze these files to provide information about the malware in the file. File dependencies include linked libraries, functions, and function calls. Check the dynamically linked list in the malware executable file. Finding out all library functions may allow guessing about what the malware program can do. You should know the various DLLs used to load and run a program.
Some of the standard DLLs are:
DLLs | Description of Contents |
---|---|
Kernel32.dll | Core functionality such as access and manipulation of memory, files, and hardware |
Advapi32.dll | Provides access to advanced core Windows components such as the Service Manager and Registry |
User32.dll | User-interface components such as buttons, scrollbars, and components for controlling and responding to user actions |
Gdi32.dll | Functions for displaying and manipulating graphics |
Ntdll.dll | Interface to the Windows kernel |
WSock32.dll and Ws2_32.dll | Networking DLLs that help to connect to a network or perform network-related tasks |
Wininet.dll | Supports higher-level networking functions |
The Dependency Walker tool lists all dependent modules of an executable file and builds hierarchical tree diagrams. It also records all functions that each module exports and calls. Further, it detects many common application problems such as missing and invalid modules, import and export mismatches, circular dependency errors, mismatched machine modules, and module initialization failures.
You can also use other dependency checking tools such as Dependency-check (https://jeremylong.github.io), Snyk (https://snyk.io), or RetireJS (https://retirejs.github.io) to identify file dependencies.
Static Analysis for Execution Flow:
- Disassembly Tools: Employ disassemblers like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or radare2 to analyze the flow of execution, identify function calls, and understand the logic.
Strings and Function Identification:
- String Analysis: Use
strings
or specialized tools to extract human-readable strings from the executable, potentially revealing function names, URLs, or other identifiable information. - Function Identification: Disassemble the code to identify function names or calls, aiding in understanding execution paths and behavior.
Behavioral Analysis (Dynamic Execution):
- Dynamic Analysis: Execute the file in a controlled environment (sandbox) to observe its behavior, interactions with the system, and network activity.
- API Monitoring: Use tools like ProcMon (Windows) or Wireshark to monitor system calls, file system changes, and network traffic during execution.
File Header Information:
- File Metadata: Extract file metadata, such as creation date, author information, or version details, to gather contextual information about the executable.
File Entropy and Integrity Checks:
- Entropy Analysis: Measure the file’s entropy to detect packed or encrypted sections, indicating potential obfuscation or packing.
- Hash Checks: Verify the integrity of the file by comparing its hash (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256) with known, legitimate versions if available.
Analyzing portable execution information involves examining file structures, dependencies, function calls, and behavioral patterns to understand how an executable operates. Combining static analysis with dynamic execution in a controlled environment provides comprehensive insights into an executable’s behavior and potential impact.
From virustotal.com website analysis output you have a PE section.
You can also use other PE extraction tools such as Portable Executable Scanner (pescan) (https://tzworks.net), Resource Hacker (http://www.angusj.com), or PEView (https://www.aldeid.com) to find the Portable Executable (PE) information of a malware executable file.
Malware Disassembly
Malware disassembly involves breaking down malicious software (malware) into its assembly code or lower-level language to understand its inner workings, logic, and functionalities. Here’s how the process generally works:
File Analysis:
- Identify Malicious Files: Select the malware sample for disassembly, often obtained from infected systems or malware repositories.
Choose Disassembly Tools:
- Disassemblers: Use specialized tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, Radare2, or Binary Ninja that convert machine code into assembly language or higher-level representations for analysis.
Code Exploration:
- Decompilation: Disassemble the binary code to understand the assembly language instructions.
- Code Flow Analysis: Trace the execution flow to understand how the code branches and makes decisions.
- Function Identification: Identify and label different functions or routines within the code.
Behavioral Analysis:
- Identify Malicious Functions: Look for functions that perform malicious actions such as file encryption, network communication, or system modifications.
- API Calls: Analyze the interaction of the malware with the operating system through API calls.
Reconstruct Logic:
- Reverse Engineering: Analyze the code’s logic to understand how the malware operates, including its intended behavior, payload delivery, and evasion techniques.
Data Flow Analysis:
- Identify Data Structures: Understand how data is stored, manipulated, or encrypted within the malware.
- Variable and Data Analysis: Identify variables and data used by the malware to comprehend its functionality.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Create Reports: Document findings, behaviors, and extracted information for further analysis or sharing with security teams.
- Findings and Recommendations: Offer insights into the malware’s capabilities, weaknesses, and potential countermeasures.
Safety Measures:
- Isolation: Perform disassembly in a controlled, isolated environment like a virtual machine or sandbox to prevent the malware from infecting the analysis system or network.
Malware disassembly provides deep insights into the inner workings of malicious software, aiding in the development of detection signatures, security measures, and mitigation strategies to protect against similar threats in the future.
Malware Disassembly Tools
Here’s a list of tools commonly used for malware disassembly and reverse engineering:
Disassembly Tools:
- IDA Pro: A powerful and widely used disassembler with advanced features for analyzing and understanding assembly code.
- Ghidra: A free, open-source software reverse engineering suite developed by the NSA, offering disassembly and decompilation capabilities.
- Radare2: An open-source framework providing a wide range of tools for binary analysis, disassembly, debugging, and more.
- Binary Ninja: A modern disassembler and reverse engineering platform known for its user-friendly interface and powerful analysis capabilities.
- Hopper Disassembler: A macOS and Linux-compatible disassembler that assists in analyzing and understanding executable files.
Debuggers and Analysis Tools
- OllyDbg: OllyDbg is a debugger that emphasizes binary code analysis, which is useful when source code is unavailable. It traces registers, recognizes procedures, API calls switches, tables, constants, and strings, and locates routines from object files and libraries.
- x64dbg: A user-friendly open-source debugger for Windows that supports both x86 and x64 architectures.
- Immunity Debugger: A powerful debugger for Windows binaries, often used for malware analysis and exploit development.
- IDA Pro Debugger: Part of the IDA Pro suite, providing debugging capabilities alongside its disassembly features.
- WinDbg: A powerful debugger from Microsoft, useful for kernel-mode debugging and analyzing Windows executables.
Additional Tools
- Cuckoo Sandbox: An open-source automated malware analysis tool that runs suspicious files in a controlled environment to analyze their behavior.
- Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer that helps in analyzing network traffic generated by malware during execution.
- Volatility: A tool for memory forensics, helpful in analyzing volatile memory dumps for malware artifacts and behavior.
- Process Monitor (ProcMon): A Windows tool for monitoring system activity, file system, registry, and process events, useful in malware behavior analysis.
General System Analysis
Process monitor
Process monitoring will help in understanding the processes that malware initiates and takes over after execution. You should also observe the child processes, associated handles, loaded libraries, functions, and execution flow of boot time processes to define the entire nature of a file or program, gather information about processes running before the execution of the malware, and compare them with the processes running after execution. This method will reduce the time taken to analyze the processes and help in easy identification of all processes that malware starts.
Process Monitor is a monitoring tool for Windows that shows the real-time file system, Registry, and process and thread activity. It combines the features of two legacy Sysinternals utilities, Filemon and Regmon. It adds an extensive list of enhancements including rich and non-destructive filtering, comprehensive event properties such session IDs and user names, reliable process information, full thread stacks with integrated symbol support for each operation, and simultaneous logging to a file. Unique features of Process Monitor make it a core utility in system troubleshooting and vital to the malware hunting toolkit.
You can also use other process monitoring tools such as Process Explorer (https://docs.microsoft.com), OpManager (https://www.manageengine.com), Monit (https://mmonit.com), or ESET SysInspector (https://www.eset.com) to perform process monitoring.
Packing and Obfuscation Method
Attackers often use packing and obfuscation or a packer to compress, encrypt, or modify a malware executable file to avoid detection. Obfuscation also hides the execution of the programs. When the user executes a packed program, it also runs a small wrapper program to decompress the packed file, and then runs the unpacked file. It complicates the task of reverse engineers to determine the actual program logic and other metadata via static analysis. The best approach is to try and identify if the file includes packed elements and locate the tool or method used to pack it.
PEid is a free tool that provides details about Windows executable files. It can identify signatures associated with over 600 different packers and compilers. This tool also displays the type of packer used in packing a program.
Detect It Easy (DIE) is an application used for determining the types of files. Apart from the Windows, DIE is also available for Linux and Mac OS. It has a completely open architecture of signatures and can easily add its own algorithms for detecting or modifying the existing signatures. It detects a file’s compiler, linker, packer, etc. using a signature-based detection method.
You can also use other packaging/obfuscation tools such as Macro_Pack (https://github.com), UPX (https://upx.github.io), or ASPack (http://www.aspack.com) to identify packing/obfuscation methods.
Port Monitoring
Port monitoring for malware analysis involves observing network traffic on specific ports associated with known malware behaviors or command-and-control communications. It helps detect and analyze potential threats by identifying unusual or malicious activity, capturing payloads, and analyzing communication patterns. This method aids in understanding how malware communicates, detecting indicators of compromise, and integrating with threat intelligence for quicker identification of malicious connections.
In windows open command prompt and type netstat -anb
to list all ports with their associated processes.
TCPView and currports are GUI softwares for viewing port information. CurrPorts also shows local port, remote port, local address and remote address and close the port directly on the local machine etc…
TCPView: TCPView is a Windows program that shows the detailed listings of all the TCP and UDP endpoints on the system, including the local and remote addresses, and the state of the TCP connections. It provides a subset of the Netstat program that ships with Windows. The TCPView download includes Tcpvcon, a command-line version with the same functionality. When TCPView runs, it enumerates all active TCP and UDP endpoints, resolving all IP addresses to their domain name versions.
CurrPorts: CurrPorts is a piece of network monitoring software that displays a list of all the currently open TCP/IP and UDP ports on a local computer. For each port in the list, information about the process that opened the port is also displayed, including the process name, full path of the process, version information of the process (product name, file description, etc.), the time that the process was created, and the user that created it.
In addition, CurrPorts allows you to close unwanted TCP connections, kill the process that opened the ports, and save the TCP/UDP port information to an HTML file, XML file, or to tab-delimited text file.
CurrPorts also automatically marks suspicious TCP/UDP ports owned by unidentified applications (Applications without version information and icons) in pink.
If you are unable to kill any unwanted process, check the port that the process is using, and add a local firewall rule to block it and restart your machine.
For processes, we have procmon and process explorer tools from Microsoft. Within process explorer, we have virustotal.com hash check for all processes in your system. This will be very useful to run a quick check on all your running processes. We also have virustotal check on autoruns software but it should be manually executed on processes.
You can also use other port monitoring tools such as Port Monitor (https://www.port-monitor.com), TCP Port Monitoring (https://www.dotcom-monitor.com), or PortExpert (https://www.kcsoftwares.com) to perform port monitoring.
Monitoring windows services
Monitoring Windows services in malware analysis involves observing service behavior for any anomalies or malicious indicators. Here’s how:
Normal Behavior Identification:
- Establish a baseline for typical service activity, including startup types and resource usage.
Monitoring Tools:
- Use tools like Services.msc, Task Manager, and Performance Monitor for regular checks on service status and resource consumption.
Anomaly Detection:
- Set up alerts in Event Viewer for unexpected service events or failures that might signal malware activity.
Malware Indicators:
- Look for irregular service startups or resource overutilization that could signify malware presence.
Automated Response:
- Configure service recovery options for immediate actions upon detecting suspicious service behavior.
Security Integration:
- Integrate service monitoring with threat intelligence to identify services linked to known malware.
Observing Windows services for unusual behavior helps in promptly detecting potential malware threats, enabling timely response and mitigation.
Attackers design malware and other malicious code in such a way that they install and run on a computer device in the form of a service. As most services run in the background to support processes and applications, malicious services are invisible, even when they are performing harmful activities on the system, and can even function without intervention or input. Malware spawns Windows services that allow attackers to control the victim machine and pass malicious instructions remotely. Malware may also employ rootkit techniques to manipulate the following registry keys to hide their processes and services.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services These malicious services run as the SYSTEM account or another privileged account, which provides more access compared to regular user accounts, making them more dangerous than common malware and executable code. Attackers also try to conceal their actions by naming the malicious services with the names similar to genuine Windows services to avoid detection.
You can trace malicious services initiated by the suspect file during dynamic analysis by using Windows service monitoring tools such as Windows Service Manager (SrvMan), which can detect changes in services and scan for suspicious Windows services.
SrvMan has both GUI and Command-line modes. It can also be used to run arbitrary Win32 applications as services (when such a service is stopped, the main application window automatically closes).
You can also use other Windows service monitoring tools such as Advanced Windows Service Manager (https://securityxploded.com), Process Hacker (https://processhacker.sourceforge.io), Netwrix Service Monitor (https://www.netwrix.com), or AnVir Task Manager (https://www.anvir.com) to perform Windows services monitoring.
Monitoring Event logs
Event log analysis involves reviewing and interpreting logs generated by operating systems, applications, or security systems to identify trends, anomalies, or security issues. These logs contain records of system events, errors, warnings, and activities, offering insights into system health and security. Analyzing event logs helps detect issues, troubleshoot problems, and identify potential security threats or breaches.
Managenegine event log analyzer, loggly, solarwinds event manager, netwrix event log manager and splunk are for log captures and analyzers.
Check if there are any new softwares installed after you’ve started encountering any malware issues.
File and Folder monitoring
Malware can modify system files and folders to save information in them. You should be able to find the files and folders that malware creates and analyze them to collect any relevant stored information. These files and folders may also contain hidden program code or malicious strings that the malware plans to execute on a specific schedule.
You can also use other file and folder integrity checking tools such as Tripwire File Integrity and Change Manager (https://www.tripwire.com), Netwrix Auditor (https://www.netwrix.com), Verisys (https://www.ionx.co.uk), or CSP File Integrity Checker (https://www.cspsecurity.com) to perform file and folder monitoring.
Network Monitoring/Analysis
From wireshark or other tools, analyze your network if any machine is sending traffic to unauthorized ips. Caspa network analyzer, wireshark, prtg network monitor, GFI languard and netfort languardian are some of the network activity monitoring tools.
DNS Monitoring/Resolution
Use tools like dnsstuff or ultradns or sonar lite web app or dnsquerysniffer to verify the dns servers that malware tries to connect.
Registry Monitoring
Reg Organizer is designed to edit keys and parameters, as well as to delete the content of.reg files. It allows users to perform various operations with the system registry such as export, import and copy key values. It can also perform a deep searches to find even those keys associated with the application that cannot be found by other similar programs.
You can create registry snapshots using reg organizer and compare it with current running registry if you think any changes are made.
You can also use other registry monitoring tools such as regshot (https://sourceforge.net), Registry Viewer (https://accessdata.com), RegScanner (https://www.nirsoft.net), or Registrar Registry Manager (https://www.resplendence.com) to perform registry monitoring.
Startup programs monitoring
Startup programs are applications or processes that start when your system boots up. Attackers make many malicious programs such as Trojans and worms in such a way that they are executed during startup, and the user is unaware of the malicious program running in the background.
Autoruns for Windows This utility can auto-start the location of any startup monitor, display which programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and show the entries in the order Windows processes them. As soon as this program is included in the startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys, users can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, and auto-start services. Autoruns’ Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option helps the user zoom in on third-party auto-starting images that add to the users’ system, and it has support for looking at the auto-starting images configured for other accounts configured on the system.
WinPatrol: WinPatrol provides the user with 14 different tabs to help in monitoring the system and its files. This security utility gives the user a chance to look for programs that are running in the background of a system so that the user can take a closer look and control the execution of legitimate and malicious programs.
Check the drivers that load on startup. You can do this from msinfo32.exe. Check boot.ini or bcd entries. Check the windows services that are set to automatic. Check startup folders in windows (shell:startup command).
You can also use other Windows startup programs monitoring tools such as Autorun Organizer (https://www.chemtable.com), Quick Startup (https://www.glarysoft.com), or Chameleon Startup Manager (https://www.chameleon-managers.com) to perform startup programs monitoring.
Monitoring installed softwares
When the system or users install or uninstall any software application, there is a chance that it will leave traces of the application data on the system. Installation monitoring help to detect hidden and background installations that malware performs.
Mirekusoft Install Monitor is a free, open-source software tool that helps users track and monitor the installation of software on their Windows-based computers. It provides a detailed log of all changes made to the system during the installation process, including registry modifications, file additions, and system configuration changes. If the software is already uninstalled from the machine, Mirekusoft cannot detect any left over files. It pulls information about the installed programs only.
You can also use other installation monitoring tools such as SysAnalyzer (https://www.aldeid.com), REVO UNINSTALLER PRO (https://www.revouninstaller.com), or Comodo Programs Manager (https://www.comodo.com) to perform installation monitoring.
Monitor drivers
When the user downloads infected drivers from untrusted sources, the system installs malware along with the device drivers; malware uses these drivers as a shield to avoid detection. One can scan for suspicious device drivers using tools such as DriverView and Driver Reviver that verify if they are genuine and downloaded from the publisher’s original site.
DriverView: The DriverView utility displays a list of all device drivers currently loaded on the system. For each driver in the list, additional information is displayed such as the load address of the driver, description, version, product name, and developer.
Driver Reviver: Without proper drivers, computers start to misbehave. Sometimes updating the drivers using conventional methods can be a daunting task. Outdated drivers are more vulnerable to hacking and can lead to a breach in the system. Driver Reviver provides an effective way of scanning your PC to identify out of date drivers. Driver Reviver can quickly and easily update these drivers to restore optimum performance to your PC and its hardware and extend its life.
You can also use other device driver monitoring tools such as Driver Booster (https://www.iobit.com), Driver Easy (https://www.drivereasy.com), Driver Fusion (https://treexy.com), or Driver Genius 22 (https://www.driver-soft.com) to perform device driver monitoring.
File and Folder Monitoring with PA File Sight
PA File Sight is a free, real-time file and folder monitoring tool for Windows. It allows users to track and monitor file system activity, including file creations, deletions, modifications, and access. The tool provides a detailed log of all file system events, making it useful for troubleshooting, security auditing, and system administration tasks.
DNS Monitoring
DNSQuerySniffer is a network sniffer utility that shows the DNS queries sent on your system. For every DNS query, the following information is displayed: Host Name, Port Number, Query ID, Request Type (A, AAAA, NS, MX, and other types), Request Time, Response Time, Duration, Response Code, Number of records, and the content of the returned DNS records. You can easily export the DNS query information to a CSV, tab-delimited, XML, or HTML file, or copy the DNS queries to the clipboard and then paste them into Excel or another spreadsheet application.
You can also use other DNS monitoring/resolution tools such as DNSstuff (https://www.dnsstuff.com), or Sonar Lite (https://constellix.com) to perform DNS monitoring.
API Monitor
API Monitor software allows you to monitor and display win32 api calls made by applications.
List of All Monitors
Port monitoring using TCPView and CurrPorts, process monitoring using Process Monitor, registry monitoring using Reg Organizer, Windows services monitoring using Windows Service Manager (SrvMan), startup program monitoring using Autoruns for Windows and WinPatrol, installation monitoring using Mirekusoft Install Monitor, files and folder monitoring using PA File Sight, device driver monitoring using DriverView and Driver Reviver, DNS monitoring using DNSQuerySniffer
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