How To Do Malware Analysis

1. Obtain the Malware Sample: Obtain a copy of the malware to be analyzed. This could be from various sources such as online repositories, honeypots, or directly from infected systems (using proper precautions to contain it).

2. Initial Assessment: Gather basic information about the malware, such as its file size, hash values (MD5, SHA1, SHA256), file type, and any initial indicators of compromise (IOCs).

3. Static Analysis:
— File Analysis: Examine the file without executing it. This involves inspecting file headers, strings, and metadata using tools like file, PEiD, or ExifTool.
— Code Analysis: Disassemble or decompile the malware to analyze its code structure, functions, and potential vulnerabilities. Tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or radare2 are commonly used for this purpose.
— Behavioral Analysis: Understand what actions the malware might take if executed, such as creating files, modifying registry entries, or communicating over the network. Tools like PEStudio or Dependency Walker can assist in this.

4. Dynamic Analysis:
— Sandboxes: Execute the malware in a controlled environment such as a virtual machine or a sandbox to observe its behavior without risking the host system. Tools like Cuckoo Sandbox or VMRay Analyzer automate this process.
— Packet Capture: Monitor network traffic generated by the malware using tools like Wireshark to understand its communication patterns and potential command-and-control (C2) infrastructure.
— Memory Analysis: Analyze the malware’s behavior in memory to identify runtime indicators of compromise (IOCs) such as process injection techniques or encryption keys. Tools like Volatility or Rekall are commonly used for memory forensics.

5. Reverse Engineering:
— Code Analysis: Analyze the malware’s code to understand its logic, encryption mechanisms, and anti-analysis techniques. This may involve techniques like code tracing, control flow analysis, and debugging.
— Function Identification: Identify key functions and routines within the malware, such as those responsible for network communication, file manipulation, or evasion techniques.
— Malware Families: Compare the malware against known malware families or signatures to identify similarities or shared code patterns.

6. Reporting and Documentation: Document findings from the analysis process, including indicators of compromise (IOCs), behavioral analysis results, and any insights gained from reverse engineering. This information can be used for incident response, threat intelligence, and improving defensive measures.

Malware analysis requires a combination of technical skills, including proficiency in programming languages, understanding of operating system internals, and familiarity with various analysis tools and techniques. Additionally, staying updated on emerging threats and malware trends is crucial in the field of cybersecurity.