Module Details

Module Code: COMP9048
Title: Malware Reverse Engineering
Long Title: Malware Reverse Engineering
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module teaches students the skills required for indepth investigations of modern malware, and the tools used to analyze, defend and recover from malware attacks. Particular emphasis will be put on more advanced topics like Reverse Engineering, and Debugging – as well as low level descriptions of the Windows OS and file formats used by malware. These approaches are key to move from the knowledge of what a malware is doing to the system (from blackboxing), to a deeper level of understanding of the purpose of the code itself.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate techniques at the forefront of the discipline used in detection strategies and the defence of systems against malicious attacks.
LO2 Assess complex evidence and communicate subject knowledge clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
LO3 Examine a commercial Operating System as an attack platform for malicious code.
LO4 Analyze common non-operating system executable malware, such as PDF or Android
LO5 Appraise malware through reverse engineering and debugging.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
12391 COMP9047 Malware Investigations
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Windows as an attack surface
System Load Points, Windows Registry, Windows Kernel, Code Injection, System call hooking, Layered Service Providers, Windows Services, Browser Helper Objects, Malware removal from infected systems, Malware defenses, Rootkits
Reverse Engineering & Debugging
Microsoft Windows PE File format, x86 assembly language, Disassembly and debugging with IDA, Packer analysis, Malware anti-debugging techniques, Windows API
Non-Windows Executable Malware
PDF File Format, Analysing PDF files, Android Malware, Document Malware
Core Tools and Techniques
Interactive Dissassembler for Reverse Engineering of malware samples. Ollydby to debug and live analyse running malware code. Dependancy Walker, PE Builder and PeiD to examine in-depth files that make use of the Windows PE file format (used by exe, scr, dll and sys files among others). Different techniques for File Infector malware, and how to disinfect files affected by it. Analysis of packed malware through the use of unpacker tools, but also via dumping memory contents and patching the resulting binaries using Volatilty and other tools. Analysing Android malware with tools such as Dex2Jar. Analysis of PDF files using the Didier Stevens suite of tools. Analysis of Malicious DOC Files.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Assignment based on reverse engineering of a given malware sample, and compiling a detailed report on its activities
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Assignment based on the reverse engineering and debugging of a given sophisticated malware sample designed to defeat several anti-analysis countermeasures, and compiling a detailed report on its activities
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Implementation of Malware Analysis Tools Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & Directed Learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Implementation of Malware Analysis Tools Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & Directed Learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Eldam Eilam. (2005), Reversing : Secrets of Reverse Engineering, 1. Wiley Publishing inc., [ISBN: 9780764574818].
  • Richard C Detmer. (2009), Introduction to 80x86 Assembly Language and Computer Architecture, Jones & Bartlett Publishers, [ISBN: 9780763772239].
  • Kris Kaspersky. (2007), Hacker Disassembling Uncovered, 2. [ISBN: 9781931769648].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KCLDC_9 Master of Science in Cloud Computing 1 Elective
CR_KCLDC_9 Master of Science in Cloud Computing 2 Elective
CR_KINSE_9 Master of Science in Cybersecurity 2 Elective
CR_KINSY_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity 2 Elective