Chapter 5: Malware Analysis and Reverse

Engineering
Course Transcript

Welcome to Chapter 5 of our Advanced Cybersecurity Course for Security

Experts

Good day, cybersecurity professionals. In the previous chapter, we explored the vital
domain of Threat Intelligence and Analysis. Now, we delve into the equally critical field of
Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering — a cornerstone of understanding, detecting,
and mitigating malicious software threats.

This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of malware types, analysis

methodologies, reverse engineering tools, and techniques. We will cover both static and
dynamic analysis, unpack anti-analysis techniques used by malware authors, and discuss
automation and integration of malware analysis into security operations.

Section 1: Introduction to Malware

Defining Malware

Malware, short for malicious software, is any software designed to disrupt, damage, or
gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Malware encompasses a broad range of
threats, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, rootkits, and
botnets.

Understanding malware behavior and capabilities is essential for cybersecurity

professionals tasked with defending organizational assets and responding to incidents.

Malware Classification

Malware can be classified based on propagation methods, payloads, and targets:

  Viruses: Attach themselves to legitimate files and spread when executed.

 Worms: Self-replicate and spread across networks without user intervention.

 Trojans: Disguise themselves as legitimate software to trick users into execution.

 Ransomware: Encrypts data and demands ransom for decryption keys.

 Spyware: Collects information covertly from infected systems.

 Rootkits: Hide presence and maintain persistent control over systems.

 Botnets: Networks of compromised systems controlled remotely by attackers.

Modern Malware Trends

Advanced malware increasingly incorporates evasion techniques, modular architectures,

and polymorphism to avoid detection. Fileless malware operates in memory without
leaving traditional footprints, complicating analysis. Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) lowers
barriers for attackers by providing ready-made malware kits.

Section 2: Malware Analysis Methodologies

Static Analysis

Static analysis examines malware without executing it, focusing on code, file structure,
and metadata. Techniques include:

 File Identification: Using hash functions (MD5, SHA-256) to identify known

malware.

 File Format Analysis: Examining PE headers, sections, and imports in Windows

executables.

 String Analysis: Extracting readable text strings for clues about functionality or
command and control (C2) infrastructure.

 Disassembly: Converting binary code into assembly instructions using tools like
IDA Pro or Ghidra.

 Signature Detection: Comparing code against known malware signatures.

Static analysis is safe and fast but limited when malware uses obfuscation or encryption.
Dynamic Analysis

Dynamic analysis involves executing malware in a controlled environment (sandbox) to

observe behavior. Key activities include:

 Process Monitoring: Tracking process creation, injection, and termination.

 File System Activity: Observing file creation, modification, or deletion.

 Network Traffic Analysis: Capturing communication with C2 servers or data

exfiltration.

 Registry Monitoring: Detecting changes to Windows registry keys.

 API Call Tracing: Recording system calls to understand malware functionality.

Dynamic analysis provides behavioral insights but requires secure, isolated environments
to prevent infection spread.

Hybrid Analysis

Combining static and dynamic techniques provides comprehensive understanding. Hybrid

analysis tools automate both approaches and correlate findings for enhanced detection
and investigation.

Section 3: Reverse Engineering Fundamentals

Purpose of Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering aims to understand malware internals, uncover hidden

functionalities, identify vulnerabilities, and develop detection and remediation
techniques. It is essential for advanced incident response, threat hunting, and malware
research.

Tools for Reverse Engineering

 Disassemblers: IDA Pro, Ghidra, Radare2 convert binaries to assembly code.

 Debuggers: OllyDbg, x64dbg, WinDbg allow step-by-step execution and inspection.

 Decompilers: Tools that translate assembly back into higher-level code for easier
understanding.
  Hex Editors: HxD, 010 Editor enable raw binary data examination and modification.

 Sandbox Environments: Cuckoo Sandbox, Any.Run for automated dynamic

analysis.

Assembly Language Basics

Understanding assembly language is crucial for reverse engineering. Key concepts

include:

 Registers: Small storage locations inside the CPU (e.g., EAX, EBX).

 Instructions: Operations like MOV (move), JMP (jump), CALL (function call).

 Control Flow: Branching, loops, and function calls controlling program execution.

 Stack Operations: Push and pop instructions managing function calls and local
variables.

Section 4: Anti-Analysis and Evasion Techniques

Common Evasion Techniques

Malware authors employ various techniques to hinder analysis:

 Obfuscation: Code is transformed to be difficult to read or understand.

 Packing and Encryption: Malware is compressed or encrypted, requiring

unpacking before analysis.

 Anti-Debugging: Detecting presence of debuggers and altering behavior or

crashing.

 Anti-VM Techniques: Detecting virtualized environments and avoiding execution.

 Timing Delays: Delaying malicious actions to outlast sandbox timeouts.

 Code Injection and Process Hollowing: Hiding malicious code inside legitimate
processes.

Countermeasures for Analysts

Analysts use sandbox evasion detection, manual unpacking, emulator detection bypass,
and hardware-assisted debugging to overcome evasion. Understanding these techniques
is vital for effective malware analysis.

Section 5: Practical Malware Analysis Workflow

Step 1: Preparation and Safety

Set up isolated analysis environments using virtual machines with no network access or
controlled network simulation. Use snapshots to revert to clean states.

Step 2: Initial Triage

Collect file metadata, hashes, and perform quick static checks. Submit samples to public
repositories like VirusTotal for preliminary analysis.

Step 3: Static Analysis

Analyze file headers, extract strings, identify packers, and disassemble code. Look for
suspicious imports and embedded URLs or IP addresses.

Step 4: Dynamic Analysis

Execute malware in sandbox, monitor system changes, network activity, and API calls.
Capture memory dumps for further analysis.

Step 5: Reverse Engineering

Disassemble and debug to understand core functionalities, deobfuscate code, and

identify persistence mechanisms.

Step 6: Reporting and Remediation

Document findings, create detection signatures, and develop mitigation strategies. Share
intelligence with security teams and threat intelligence platforms.

Section 6: Automation and Integration

Automated Malware Analysis

Automated sandboxes like Cuckoo Sandbox and commercial solutions provide scalable
analysis with standardized reports. Integrating these tools accelerates triage and
detection.

Integration with Security Operations

Linking malware analysis outputs with SIEM, SOAR, and threat intelligence platforms
enables rapid response and continuous improvement of detection capabilities.

Section 7: Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Ransomware Analysis

Detailed breakdown of ransomware families such as WannaCry and Ryuk, including

encryption routines, propagation methods, and command and control infrastructures.

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Malware

Examination of sophisticated malware used by APT groups, including modular

architectures, stealth techniques, and multi-stage payloads.

Fileless Malware

Analysis of malware that operates solely in memory, leveraging legitimate system tools
like PowerShell to evade detection.

Section 8: Ethical and Legal Considerations

Responsible Handling of Malware

Strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines is essential. Analysts must ensure
containment, avoid unauthorized distribution, and respect privacy laws.

Collaboration and Information Sharing

Sharing malware samples and analysis results with trusted communities enhances
collective defense but requires appropriate controls and agreements.

Conclusion: Mastering Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering

This chapter has provided an in-depth exploration of malware analysis and reverse
engineering, equipping you with the knowledge to dissect malicious software and
uncover its secrets. Mastery of static and dynamic analysis techniques, familiarity with
reverse engineering tools, and understanding of evasion tactics empower cybersecurity
professionals to detect, analyze, and mitigate malware threats effectively.

By integrating malware analysis into broader security operations and threat intelligence
efforts, organizations can enhance their resilience against evolving cyber threats. As
malware continues to grow in complexity, continuous learning and hands-on practice
remain essential for cybersecurity experts.

End of Chapter 5 Transcript

Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 6 will focus on Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration
Testing, covering methodologies to identify and exploit security weaknesses proactively.