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Introduction
Modern cybersecurity defenses heavily rely on signature-based detection to identify and block malicious code. However, advanced evasion techniques like polymorphism and metamorphism challenge these mechanisms. Tijme Gommers, an Offensive Cyber Security expert at ABN AMRO Bank, is set to unveil Dittobytes, a production-ready metamorphic cross-compiler capable of bypassing in-memory signatures across Windows, macOS, and Linux (AMD64 & ARM64). This article explores the core concepts behind this breakthrough and provides actionable insights for red teamers and security researchers.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the limitations of polymorphic malware and how metamorphism improves evasion.
- Learn how Dittobytes enables true metamorphic code generation for red teaming.
- Discover practical applications for bypassing EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and AV solutions.
You Should Know
1. Polymorphic vs. Metamorphic Malware
Polymorphic malware changes its code structure while retaining core functionality, often using encryption or obfuscation. However, signature-based systems can still detect patterns in decryption routines.
Metamorphic malware, on the other hand, rewrites its own code entirely, making signature detection nearly impossible. Dittobytes takes this a step further by functioning as a cross-platform metamorphic compiler.
2. How Dittobytes Works
Dittobytes generates unique, semantically equivalent code variants each time it compiles, ensuring no two payloads share the same signature.
Example (Linux x64 Shellcode Generation):
./dittobytes --platform linux --arch x64 --input malicious.bin --output mutated_payload
Steps:
- Input: Provide the original payload (e.g., a reverse shell).
- Mutation Engine: Dittobytes rewrites the code while preserving functionality.
- Output: A new binary with a completely different signature.
3. Bypassing EDR with Metamorphic Payloads
EDR solutions often scan memory for known malicious patterns. Dittobytes’ metamorphic approach ensures that in-memory signatures are ineffective.
Windows Example (Mimikatz Evasion):
Invoke-DittoCompile -Source mimikatz.ps1 -Output mimikatz_modified.ps1 -Randomize
This command generates a new Mimikatz variant that avoids static detection.
4. Cross-Platform Red Teaming Applications
Dittobytes supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it ideal for multi-platform engagements.
MacOS ARM64 Example:
./dittobytes --platform darwin --arch arm64 --input payload.bin --output bypass.bin
This generates an M1/M2-compatible payload with no detectable signature.
5. Defensive Countermeasures
While metamorphic malware is hard to detect, defenders can focus on:
– Behavioral analysis (monitoring anomalous process execution).
– Memory integrity checks (detecting unexpected code modifications).
YARA Rule for Suspicious Metamorphic Traits:
rule Metamorphic_Code {
meta:
description = "Detects potential metamorphic code patterns"
strings:
$self_modifying = { 8B ?? 89 ?? FF ?? }
condition:
$self_modifying
}
What Undercode Say
- Key Takeaway 1: Metamorphic malware is the next evolution in offensive security, rendering traditional signature-based detection obsolete.
- Key Takeaway 2: Dittobytes provides a practical tool for red teams to test defenses against advanced evasion techniques.
Analysis:
The release of Dittobytes signifies a shift in the offensive security landscape. As EDR solutions improve, attackers must innovate beyond polymorphism. Metamorphic compilers like Dittobytes will force defenders to adopt behavioral AI-driven detection rather than relying on static signatures. Enterprises should prioritize threat hunting and anomaly detection to mitigate such threats.
Prediction
Within 2–3 years, metamorphic malware will become mainstream in cyber warfare, leading to:
– Increased adoption of AI-powered EDR to detect behavioral anomalies.
– More sophisticated blue team tooling focusing on runtime analysis.
– A new arms race between offensive tool developers and defensive AI systems.
For those attending OrangeCon, Tijme Gommers’ talk on September 5th will be a landmark event in offensive security. Tickets are available at https://orangecon.nl/.
This article provides a technical deep dive into metamorphic malware and its implications for cybersecurity. Stay ahead of the curve by understanding both offensive and defensive strategies in this evolving landscape.
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Tijme Ill – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
