- The two most common phases of malware analysis are static analysis and dynamic analysis.
- Each phase plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating the threat posed by malware.
Static analysis involves examining the malware’s code, binaries, and metadata without executing the malware. This phase focuses on understanding the structure and potential functionality of the malware through various techniques such as disassembly and decompilation.
Key aspects of static analysis
There are some key aspects of static analysis:
Code review: Analysts inspect the malware’s code to identify patterns, strings, and commands that reveal its intended functionality. Tools like disassemblers and decompilers are used to convert the malware’s binary code into a human-readable format, aiding in the identification of its components and possible behaviours.
Signature creation: By examining the code, analysts can create signatures or heuristics that help detect the malware in future instances. These signatures are used by antivirus and intrusion detection systems to identify and block the same or similar threats.
Obfuscation detection: Static analysis can reveal obfuscation techniques used by malware authors to hide malicious code. Identifying these techniques helps in understanding how the malware tries to evade detection.
Also read: 3 main differences between static and dynamic malware analysis
Also read: Microsoft Defender’s security breach enables spread of dangerous malware
Dynamic analysis involves running the malware in a controlled environment, such as a sandbox, to observe its behaviour in real-time. This phase provides insights into how the malware interacts with the system, including its impact on files, processes, and network activity.
Key aspects of dynamic analysis
There are some key aspects of dynamic analysis:
Behaviour monitoring: Analysts monitor the malware’s actions during execution, such as file modifications, registry changes, and network communications. This real-time observation helps in understanding how the malware operates and spreads.
Impact assessment: Dynamic analysis reveals the actual damage caused by the malware, including data theft, system corruption, or unauthorised access. This information is critical for assessing the severity of the threat and implementing appropriate countermeasures.
Evasion techniques: Running the malware can expose any anti-analysis techniques it employs, such as detecting the presence of a sandbox or debugger. Understanding these techniques helps in improving detection and prevention strategies.
Static and dynamic analysis are the two most common phases of malware analysis, each offering unique insights into the malware’s functionality and behaviour. Static analysis provides a detailed look at the malware’s code and structure, while dynamic analysis reveals its real-time impact and interactions with the system. Together, these phases are essential for effective malware detection, prevention, and remediation.
