Reverse Engineering Modern Malware: Tools, Techniques & Case Studies

Modern malware employs sophisticated evasion techniques that require a methodical approach to reverse engineering. This guide covers both static and dynamic analysis workflows used by professional malware analysts.

Lab Setup

• **FlareVM** on Windows 10 for dynamic analysis
• **REMnux** Linux distribution for network simulation
• **Ghidra** for static analysis and decompilation
• **x64dbg + ScyllaHide** for user-mode debugging
• **Wireshark + INetSim** for network traffic analysis

Analysis Workflow

1. **Triage**: File identification, hashing, and initial YARA scanning
2. **Static Analysis**: PE headers, imports/exports, strings, entropy, and packer detection
3. **Dynamic Analysis**: Process Monitor, API call tracing, and registry monitoring
4. **Debugging**: Unpacking obfuscated payloads with x64dbg
5. **Decompilation**: Recovering control flow with Ghidra's advanced features
6. **Case Study**: Full walkthrough of analyzing an Emotet loader variant

⚠️ Warning: This content is for educational and defensive purposes only. Always analyze malware in isolated environments.