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Marcus Hutchins has released a new malware analysis lab called Shellcode3, designed to test your ability to analyze malicious shellcode. The lab focuses on a common technique used by malware to obscure API calls, making it an excellent resource for reverse engineers and cybersecurity professionals.
🔗 Lab Link: Shellcode3 – MalwareTech
You Should Know:
1. Understanding Shellcode Analysis
Shellcode is a small piece of code used as a payload in exploits. Analyzing it involves:
– Disassembling (using tools like ndisasm, objdump)
– Debugging (with gdb, x64dbg, or WinDbg)
– Dynamic Analysis (running in a sandbox like Cuckoo Sandbox)
Example Command (Linux):
echo -ne "\x31\xc0\x50\x68\x2f\x2f\x73\x68\x68\x2f\x62\x69\x6e\x89\xe3\x50\x53\x89\xe1\xb0\x0b\xcd\x80" | ndisasm -u -
2. API Obfuscation Techniques
Malware often hides API calls using:
- Hash-based imports (CRC32, ROR13 hashing)
- Dynamic API resolution (
LoadLibraryA+GetProcAddress) - String encryption (XOR, AES)
Example (Windows API Resolution in C):
include <windows.h>
typedef void (MessageBoxFunc)(HWND, LPCSTR, LPCSTR, UINT);
int main() {
HMODULE hUser32 = LoadLibraryA("user32.dll");
MessageBoxFunc MsgBox = (MessageBoxFunc)GetProcAddress(hUser32, "MessageBoxA");
MsgBox(NULL, "Hello", "API Obfuscation", MB_OK);
return 0;
}
3. Analyzing Shellcode in a Lab
Steps to analyze Shellcode3:
1. Extract shellcode from the provided sample.
2. Disassemble using `radare2`:
r2 -AAA -d shellcode.bin <blockquote> afl List functions pdf @ main Disassemble
3. Detect obfuscation by tracing API calls.
4. Dynamic execution in a VM (e.g., `qemu`).
What Undercode Say
Shellcode analysis is a critical skill for malware researchers. Tools like Ghidra, IDA Pro, and x64dbg help reverse-engineer obfuscated payloads. Practicing in labs like Shellcode3 sharpens your ability to detect real-world threats.
🔗 Further Reading:
Expected Output:
A detailed analysis report containing:
- Decrypted API calls
- Deobfuscated shellcode
- Behavioral analysis logs
Prediction
As malware increasingly adopts advanced obfuscation, automated deobfuscation tools leveraging AI (like OpenAI’s Codex for pattern recognition) will become essential in reverse engineering workflows. Expect more interactive malware labs like Shellcode3 to emerge, training the next generation of analysts.
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Malwaretech Shellcode – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
