This lab focuses on the detailed analysis of a sophisticated malware sample designed to execute in multiple stages, evade detection, and maintain stealth through advanced techniques. The malware originates from a phishing campaign, using encoded PowerShell commands and legitimate Windows utilities to deliver and execute its payload. As an investigator, your task is to uncover the malware’s behavior, trace its execution flow, and analyze its tactics to understand its operation and objectives.
The walkthrough begins with examining initial artifacts, such as PowerShell event logs, to decode and analyze obfuscated commands used by the malware during its initial execution. Following this, the analysis shifts to understanding how the malware downloads and executes additional payloads, using tools and methods to extract critical evidence from the system. The lab provides opportunities to compute file hashes, identify malicious behavior through analysis platforms, and investigate system processes to uncover the malware’s strategy for evasion and persistence.
Key areas of investigation include process analysis, where the malware leverages legitimate system components to hide its activities, and the use of advanced obfuscation techniques to bypass detection mechanisms. The lab integrates the use of various forensic tools and frameworks, guiding you through the step-by-step process of identifying key indicators of compromise and mapping the malware’s behavior to known attack techniques. This walkthrough equips you with the skills and knowledge to dissect complex malware and mitigate similar threats in real-world scenarios.