Malware Analysis

Malware analysis is a critical discipline in cybersecurity that involves the process of dissecting malicious software—such as viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware—to understand its purpose, functionality, origin, and potential impact. Analysts employ two primary techniques: static analysis, which involves examining the malware's code and structure without executing it, and dynamic analysis, which involves observing the malware's behavior by running it in a controlled, isolated environment known as a sandbox. The insights gained from this process are essential for developing detection signatures, creating incident response plans, and fortifying systems against future attacks.

1. Fundamentals of Malware Analysis
   1. Defining Malware
      1. Characteristics of Malicious Software
      2. Purpose and Motivation of Malware Authors
         1. Financial Gain
         2. Espionage
         3. Hacktivism
         4. Sabotage and Destruction
         5. Cyber Warfare
      3. The Malware Lifecycle
         1. Initial Infection
         2. Propagation
         3. Execution and Payload Delivery
         4. Persistence Mechanisms
         5. Command and Control Communication
         6. Data Exfiltration or Impact
         7. Termination or Self-Destruction
   2. Classification of Malicious Software
      1. Viruses
         1. File Infectors
         2. Boot Sector Viruses
         3. Macro Viruses
         4. Infection Mechanisms
         5. Propagation Methods
         6. Payload Types
      2. Worms
         1. Network Worms
         2. Email Worms
         3. USB Worms
         4. Self-Replication Techniques
         5. Network Propagation
      3. Trojans
         1. Remote Access Trojans (RATs)
         2. Banking Trojans
         3. Downloader Trojans
         4. Delivery Methods
         5. Common Payloads
      4. Ransomware
         1. Crypto-Ransomware
         2. Locker Ransomware
         3. Encryption Techniques
         4. Ransom Demands
      5. Spyware and Adware
         1. Keyloggers
         2. Screen Capture Tools
         3. Data Collection Methods
         4. User Tracking
      6. Rootkits and Bootkits
         1. User-Mode Rootkits
         2. Kernel-Mode Rootkits
         3. Firmware Rootkits
         4. Privilege Escalation
         5. Stealth Techniques
      7. Logic Bombs
         1. Time-Based Triggers
         2. Event-Based Triggers
         3. Trigger Conditions
         4. Payload Activation
      8. Backdoors
         1. Network Backdoors
         2. System Backdoors
         3. Remote Access Mechanisms
         4. Persistence Strategies
      9. Botnets
         1. Centralized Architecture
         2. Peer-to-Peer Architecture
         3. Hybrid Architecture
         4. Command and Control Models
      10. Cryptominers
          1. Browser-Based Miners
          2. System-Based Miners
          3. Resource Hijacking
          4. Cryptocurrency Mining Techniques
      11. Fileless Malware
          1. PowerShell-Based Attacks
          2. WMI-Based Attacks
          3. In-Memory Execution
          4. Living off the Land Binaries (LOLBins)
   3. Core Methodologies of Analysis
      1. Static Analysis
         1. File-Based Analysis
         2. Code Analysis
         3. Advantages and Limitations
      2. Dynamic Analysis
         1. Behavioral Analysis
         2. Runtime Analysis
         3. Advantages and Limitations
      3. Hybrid Analysis
         1. Combining Static and Dynamic Techniques
         2. Iterative Analysis Approach
      4. Memory Forensics
         1. Memory Dump Analysis
         2. Runtime Artifact Extraction
         3. Role in Malware Analysis
   4. Legal and Ethical Considerations
      1. Rules of Engagement
         1. Scope Definition
         2. Authorization Requirements
         3. Containment Protocols
      2. Data Privacy and Handling
         1. Sensitive Data Protection
         2. Chain of Custody
         3. Data Retention Policies
      3. Responsible Disclosure
         1. Coordinating with Vendors
         2. Public vs. Private Disclosure
         3. Timeline Considerations