Combating sandbox evasion 
for a more effective security automation

Uncover sandbox evasion techniques and how to combat the most evasive malware in this comprehensive cybersecurity course.

Introduction

Welcome to the comprehensive course on Sandboxes, Malware Evasion, and Cybersecurity. In this journey through ten insightful chapters, we will unravel the intricate world of sandboxes and their various types, shedding light on why they play a pivotal role in modern cybersecurity.

As we delve deeper, you will discover the cat-and-mouse game between malware authors and security experts, exploring the ingenious ways in which malicious actors attempt to detect, attack, and ultimately evade sandboxes. We will dissect the impact of these evasion tactics on security automation and present real-life examples of malware evasion, offering you a holistic understanding of the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Whether you are a seasoned cybersecurity professional or a curious learner, this course is your gateway to comprehending the dynamic battle between sandboxes and malware in today’s digital realm.

Table of Contents

Section 1

Unveiling sandboxes and
anti-sandbox evasion

In this section, we delve into the world of sandboxes, their diverse types, and the relentless pursuit of adversaries to evade them. Let’s explore the intricacies of these cybersecurity tools and why threat actors go to great lengths to bypass their defenses.

In Chapter 1, we’ll uncover what sandboxes are and the various sandboxing approaches, setting the foundation for a deeper understanding. Chapter 2 will reveal the motivations behind adversaries’ efforts to outsmart sandboxes and introduce practical tools to assess sandbox efficacy against evasion techniques. Join us as we navigate the fascinating landscape of cybersecurity in this section.

Section 2

Unmasking sandboxes and evading detection

In this section, we explore the intricacies of sandboxes and their complex dance with cyber threats. Chapter 3 provided insights into various sandbox types, their strengths, weaknesses, and protective measures. Chapter 4, in turn, delved into bypassing sandbox detection, unraveling tactics used by threat actors. 

As we delve deeper, we’ll dissect evasion techniques, empowering you to fortify defenses against evolving threats. Trust in evasion-resistant sandboxing technologies will be key as we navigate this dynamic landscape.

Section 3

How malware tries to detect, attack and evade sandboxes

Let’s embark on an in-depth exploration of the intricate dance between malware and sandboxes. In these chapters, we delve into the strategies employed by malicious actors to detect, attack, and ultimately evade the watchful eyes of sandboxes.

Chapter 5 uncovers how malware detects the sandbox’s presence, Chapter 6 unveils the aggressive tactics employed in attacking the sandbox, and Chapter 7 unveils the cunning art of evading these digital guardians. 

Join us on this journey as we dissect each facet of this cybersecurity odyssey, revealing the tools and techniques used in this high-stakes cat-and-mouse game.

Section 4

Sandbox evasion and its impacts on security automation

In Section 4, we delve deeper into sandboxing and its real-world implications. Chapter 9 takes a close look at the critical issue of sandbox evasion and its profound impact on security automation. Discover how sophisticated malware can outsmart traditional sandboxes and the ensuing challenges it poses for security operations.

Moving forward, Chapter 10 introduces a practical method to evaluate sandboxing solutions’ effectiveness. Explore the practicality of a ‘report clutter test’ in gauging the accuracy and efficiency of these security tools.

Section 5

Unraveling malware evasion: GuLoader and XMRig in focus

Welcome to a revealing exploration of malware evasion techniques through practical demonstrations. In this section, we dive deep into the intricate workings of malware, focusing on GuLoader and XMRig, two formidable adversaries known for their sophisticated evasion tactics.

By understanding the intricacies of GuLoader and XMRig, you’ll gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. Join us as we unveil the hidden layers of evasion techniques employed by these malware specimens.

See VMRay in action.
Detect and analyze even the most evasive malware and phishing threats.

Further resources

PRODUCT

Single source of truth for effective security automation

WEBINAR

Checkmate: How sandbox evasion can stall automation

Watch our webinar from at SANS EDR / XDR Solutions Forum

PRODUCT

The most advanced malware and phishing sandbox

Welcome to the playground.

Explore what you can do with VMRay.

Click on the yellow dots to check the report formats, see the overview, explore the network connections of the sample, malicious behavior, and relevant files, map the threat on MITRE ATT&CK Framework, analyze and download IOCs and artifacts.

The analysis report tabs are available both for VMRayDeepResponse and VMRayTotalInsight. The bundle of VMRay FinalVerdict and VMRayDeepResponse also offers access to the analysis report tabs.

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Unveiling the power:
See our experts showcasing VMRay’s capabilities.

Analysis of a malicious file

Join Fatih Akar from the VMRay team as he provides a detailed walkthrough of a malicious LNK file, a prevalent attack vector since Microsoft’s Office macros block.

Gain valuable insights into each tab of our comprehensive analysis report and get a sneak peek into what you’ll be exploring.

Analysis of a malicious URL

Join Andrey Voitenko, an expert in advanced malware and phishing analysis from the VMRay team, as he demonstrates how to submit emails and URLs to the VMRay platform using built-in connectors.

Discover the capabilities of our new Automation Dashboard, enabling one-click automation with your existing EDR, SOAR, SIEM, and TIP tools. Monitor analysis data seamlessly from your VMRay dashboard and unlock new levels of efficiency in your security operations.

Integrating with existing tools

Watch Michael Bourton showcasing the seamless integration of VMRay platform with your existing security stacks.

Discover how effortlessly you can leverage unparalleled detection and analysis capabilities by utilizing dedicated connectors or our Rest API.

Experience VMRay in Action:
Explore Real-world Malware Analysis Reports

Get a firsthand look at the power and capabilities of the VMRay platform by delving into our sample malware and phishing analysis reports.

Immerse yourself in a range of report formats, providing comprehensive insights.

Dive into the overview, explore intricate network connections, analyze malicious behavior in detail, and map threats using the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. See the possibilities to download clear IOCs.

Uncover the capabilities that await you.

Calculate how much malware false positives are costing your organization:
Malware False Positive Cost Calculator