Communications of the ACM
Researchers Create 'frankenstein' Malware Made Up of Common Gadgets
Mark Pernice
University of Texas researchers Vishwath Mohan and Kevin Hamlen have created a computer virus from common gadgets that can evade conventional antivirus programs.
Mohan and Hamlen describe their virus, which is technically a proof of concept, as a cyber version of Frankenstein's monster. Their virus was created using snippets from commonly installed programs such as Internet Explorer or Notepad. One of the more clever aspects of the code was the part where the original kernel, the element that infects the computer, was modified and caused to look like part of a normal gadget, thus leaving no trace of itself to be found.
The U.S. Air Force partly funded the research, which should help people stay a step ahead of those who create malware. Researchers could use the program to learn how to circumvent new malware before malefactors create them. Some experts have suggested that creating security software that can find objectionable behavior by code is the best way to detect new undetectable malware.
From PhysOrg.com
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