Simulated Debugging Environment for Malware Execution Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for detecting unwanted code, such as malware, are limited by protectors and packers that make the code resistant to detection, and authors can disable execution to evade detection by virtual machines and debuggers.
Innovation Solution
Simulating a virtual or debugging environment to prevent unwanted code from executing by creating a simulated environment that includes identifiers, hardware, and processes, making it appear as though a virtual or debugging environment is present, thereby preventing the code from executing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If virtual machines or debuggers are used to analyze unwanted code, then information about the code can be collected, but the unwanted code can protect or pack itself to prevent detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simulator as an intermediary component that creates a simulated virtual or debugging environment. This simulator acts as a mediator between the security system and the unwanted code, presenting a fake environment that triggers the code's protection mechanisms without providing actual analysis capabilities. The simulator includes components like a simulated debugger interface and virtual hardware identifiers that deceive the unwanted code into believing it is being analyzed, thereby preventing execution while maintaining the appearance of a real analysis environment.
2Reliability
If authors of unwanted code use protectors and packers, then the code becomes resistant to detection, but the code can still be executed in normal environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the system with simulated environment indicators before the unwanted code executes. The simulator预先 establishes the presence of virtual hardware identifiers, simulated debugger interfaces, and fake virtual machine markers. When the unwanted code checks for these environment indicators, it finds the simulated markers and assumes it is running in a virtual or debugging environment, thus preventing execution before the code can harm the system. This preliminary setup counteracts the protection mechanisms without requiring active intervention during code execution.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If authors disable execution of unwanted code to prevent detection by debuggers, then detection is avoided, but the code cannot be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy or simulation of the debugging environment rather than requiring the actual debugging process. The simulator generates fake debugger interface elements, simulated breakpoint markers, and virtual environment identifiers that replicate the appearance of a debugging session. This copied environment is sufficient to trigger the unwanted code's protection logic without needing to actually execute or analyze the code, thus obtaining the same protective effect as real debugging would provide, without the risk of code execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for simulating at least one of a virtual environment and a debugging environment to prevent unwanted code from executing. In use, at least one of a virtual environment and a debugging environment is simulated. Additionally, unwanted code is prevented from executing as a result of the simulation.