Introduction to Malware Development

Aug 8, 2024

Notes on Malware Development Lecture

Introduction

  • Goal: Build your first malware and explore malware development.
  • Prerequisites: Basic understanding of C/C++.
  • Importance of hands-on projects for learning.
  • Note: Video is for educational purposes only.

Resources for Learning

  • Use Google to research malware types.
    • Common Types of Malware:
      • Ransomware:
        • Extorts and encrypts data.
        • Demands payment for decryption keys.
        • Threatens to publish sensitive data if payment is not made.
      • Info Stealers:
        • Steals sensitive information (e.g., credentials).
        • Often bundled with other malware.
      • Botnets:
        • Network of infected machines controlled by command and control servers.
  • Suggested starting points: Simple ransomware or info stealer.
  • Recommended research topics:
    • How ransomware works.
    • Types of encryption used.
    • Reverse engineering of popular ransomware.

VX Underground

  • Website: VX underground - a large collection of malware samples and papers.
  • Resources available:
    • Articles on malware development and analysis.
    • Persistence techniques.

Windows Internals

  • Knowledge of how Windows operates is essential.
  • Recommended book: Windows Internals Part One.
  • Video series on Windows internals available on the speaker's channel.

Writing Your First Malware

  • Essential Library for Windows Malware:
    • windows.h for Windows API functions.
    • Use MSDN (Microsoft documentation) for references.
  • Malware Development Steps:
    1. Open Visual Studio and write code using process injection techniques.
    2. Generate malicious payload with msfvenom.
    3. Write code for process ID allocation, memory allocation, and remote thread creation.
    4. Use functions like VirtualAllocEx, WriteProcessMemory, and CreateRemoteThread.
    5. Implement error checking and debugging statements.
    6. Test the malware in a controlled environment.
  • Process ID (PID):
    • Use tools like Process Hacker or Task Manager to find the PID of a target application.
  • Testing with Metasploit:
    • Set up listener on Metasploit.
    • Specify payload and options.
    • Run the malware code and connect to the listener for a reverse shell.

Conclusion

  • Congratulations on writing your first malware!
  • Further resources available for continued learning.
  • Encourage feedback and questions from viewers.

Full transcript