Cyber threats targeting Linux systems are growing, from sophisticated malware attacks to phishing schemes. As the number of attacks rises, the need for a reliable and safe method to analyze these emerging threats becomes more and more important.
One of the most effective tools to analyze Linux malware and phishing threats is a malware sandbox — a controlled and isolated environment designed to allow malware hunters to observe malware behavior without risking infection.
What is a malware sandbox?
A malware sandbox is an isolated environment that mimics real-world systems, allowing malware to be safely executed and observed. This method is particularly useful for analyzing unknown or suspicious files, links, or behaviors that could otherwise cause harm in a live environment.
The sandbox records the malware’s activity, helping analysts understand its:
- Behavior
- Distribution methods
- Vulnerabilities it exploits
Cloud-based malware sandboxes like ANY.RUN allow its users to directly interact with the malware in real time. It is ideal for tracking malware behavior, extracting Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), and understanding its full lifecycle.
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Core Use Cases for Malware Sandbox
- Safe environment for testing: A sandbox provides a secure space to open suspicious files or links without risking your primary systems. For Linux administrators, this is crucial as many attacks now target Linux servers and infrastructure.
- Phishing link analysis: Phishing is one of the most common attack vectors, where a malicious link redirects users to harmful sites. In a sandbox, you can safely explore phishing links and gather information on how attackers might steal credentials or deliver malware.
- Malware execution analysis: A sandbox shows you the full execution flow of the malware, from its initial dropper to the payload delivery, helping analysts see what files are dropped or created, and what network connections are initiated.
- Interactive real-time response: With the help of interactive sandboxes like ANY.RUN, you can manually run processes, open files, and test responses, giving you a hands-on way to explore how malware behaves under different conditions.
How to Analyze Linux Malware in Interactive Sandbox
Let’s take a look at a real-world example of malware analysis using ANY.RUN’s sandbox.
Mirai, a well-known malware, primarily targets Linux devices, often through IoT vulnerabilities. We can analyze it by submitting a Mirai malware sample into the ANY.RUN sandbox.
Once the sample is loaded, you can see how it behaves in real-time by interacting with the sample.
The simplest way to identify malicious activity during a process is by checking the top-right corner of the screen. If the label “Malicious activity” appears in red, it indicates that the sample contains harmful elements. You’ll also notice that the ANY.RUN sandbox specifically detects Mirai in this instance, providing further clarity on the type of malware involved.
Malicious activity detected by ANY.RUN
ANY.RUN provides a visual representation of Mirai’s execution process through a process tree. This shows all running processes and allows you to observe Mirai’s behavior in real time, including the creation of suspicious network connections and attempts to spread through the system.
Mirai process tree inside ANY.RUN
When analyzing a sample of Mirai in the ANY.RUN sandbox, the malware’s typical infection chain becomes clear. It primarily targets systems with open Telnet or SSH ports. Once inside, Mirai downloads its payload from a Command and Control (C2) server or a peer-to-peer network into the compromised system.
Malware C2 activity detected by ANY.RUN
Once Mirai has established itself, it begins scanning the internet for more vulnerable devices. Using a predefined list of credentials, it continues spreading across multiple devices.
The compromised device connects to a C2 server, where it waits for further commands from the botnet controller. These commands can involve initiating distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, retrieving additional malicious payloads, or receiving updates to alter its behavior.
For further detailed analysis, you can also collect all the Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) associated with this malware behavior from the upper-right corner by clicking on the IOC button. These are clues or evidence left behind by cyberattacks and help analysts to detect and investigate threats faster.
IOCs gathered inside ANY.RUN’s sandbox
Analyze Threats Safely Inside ANY.RUN’s Sandbox
With ANY.RUN’s interactive sandbox, you have everything you need to safely analyze malware, gather crucial IOCs, and take proactive steps to protect your organization.
Want to see how it can enhance your security operations? Test the ANY.RUN sandbox with a free trial and discover how it can contribute to your organization’s security and threat detection efforts.
Start your free trial of ANY.RUN sandbox today
