[Book Review] The Art of Mac Malware

 

Patrick Wardle, "The Art of Mac Malware", NoStarch, 2022

"The Art of macOS Malware" is a comprehensive guide to understanding the fundamentals of Mac malware. Part I of the book covers the basics of Mac malware, including infection vectors, methods of persistence, and capabilities. Chapter 1 explores the various infection vectors used by Mac malware authors, ranging from simple social engineering tricks to advanced remote zero-day exploits. Chapter 2 discusses the means by which malware installs itself on a system to ensure it will automatically re-execute upon startup, user login, or some other deterministic event. This chapter covers a myriad of surreptitious methods by which malware can achieve persistence. Chapter 3 takes a detailed look at the capabilities commonly found in Mac malware, such as surveying the system, escalating privileges, executing commands, exfiltrating files, ransoming user files, or even mining cryptocurrency. Together, these chapters provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Mac malware and the techniques used by malware authors to infect and persist on systems. 

Part II of "The Art of macOS Malware" delves into the various techniques and tools used to effectively analyze Mac malware. The section is divided into six chapters, starting with the static analysis of non-binary file formats in Chapter 4 and continuing with binary triage and disassembly and decompilation in Chapters 5 and 6, respectively. Chapters 7 and 8 cover dynamic analysis tools, including debugging with LLDB, while Chapter 9 explores anti-analysis techniques that are commonly used by macOS malware authors to protect their creations from being easily analyzed. 

Part III of the book focuses on analyzing the EvilQuest malware using the knowledge gained in Parts I and II. EvilQuest is a complex Mac malware that employs anti-analysis logic, viral persistence mechanism, and harmful payloads. Chapter 10 starts the comprehensive analysis of EvilQuest by explaining its infection vector, triaging its binary, and identifying its anti-analysis logic. Chapter 11 continues the analysis by detailing the malware's methods of persistence, which ensure its automatic restart each time an infected system is rebooted. It also covers the different capabilities supported by the malware.

In summary, "Mac Malware Analysis" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to develop their skills in analyzing macOS malware. The book provides a comprehensive overview of macOS malware's infection vectors, persistence mechanisms, and capabilities, as well as practical approaches to analyzing malicious samples through both static and dynamic analysis. The book also includes a hands-on walkthrough of analyzing the EvilQuest malware, allowing readers to apply the concepts they've learned to a real-world example. While the book covers a lot of ground, it's important to note that it can't cover every aspect of macOS malware analysis. Nevertheless, it provides an excellent foundation for those looking to develop their skills in this area. Overall, "Mac Malware Analysis" is an outstanding resource that I highly recommend to anyone interested in the field.

Additionally, I would like to note that this book is available for free on the author's website, making it accessible to anyone who wants to learn about Mac malware analysis. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the author is currently planning a second volume, which has generated a lot of excitement in the cybersecurity community. I am eagerly anticipating its publication and look forward to reviewing it when it becomes available.