January 21, 2025

Introducing the Syscalls Feature in Threat.Zone: Unveiling Granular Malware Analysis

Introducing Syscalls: Gain deep insights into malware with Threat.Zone's new feature for advanced threat analysis!
Threat.Zone

The need for advanced analysis tools grows exponentially and to address that need we work very hard to provide you the best analysis results. So, we are introducing Threat.Zone’s latest feature: Syscalls, designed to provide unparalleled insight into the inner workings of malware, this feature empowers analysts with a detailed view of every system call made during analysis.

The Syscalls Feature: What It Is and Why It Matters

At its core, the Syscalls feature captures a comprehensive log of Windows System Calls executed by a sample during its dynamic analysis in Threat.Zone. These logs include activities performed in both kernel mode and user mode, offering a level of detail that surpasses traditional behavior analysis.

Previously, the Behavior section of Threat.Zone provided a high-level overview of malware activity by focusing on specific areas like files, registries, WMI, and mutex operations. While this approach is efficient for identifying many types of malicious behavior, it may miss advanced or stealthy malware techniques. This is where the Syscalls feature shines - by presenting unfiltered and raw system call data, analysts gain the ability to:

  • Detect suspicious or malicious operations that may not appear in the behavior logs.
  • Identify evasive techniques employed by advanced malware.
  • Perform a more thorough and detailed investigation into the actions of a sample.

How It Works

When a sample is run in Threat.Zone’s sandbox, the Syscalls feature captures all system-level operations executed by the sample, including:

  • File manipulations
  • Process-related activities 
  • Registry modifications
  • Network-related calls

This data is displayed in a clear and detailed format, allowing analysts to:

  • Review each system call’s parameters, such as file paths, process IDs, thread IDs, and access levels.
  • Cross-reference these calls with known malicious patterns.
  • Explore actions that could be indicative of malware, even if they don’t appear in the filtered behavior analysis. 
Syscalls report's screenshot [see sample]

Why Syscalls Revolutionizes Malware Analysis

The Syscalls feature addresses a crucial gap in malware analysis: the need for complete visibility. By offering a detailed log of system calls, Threat.Zone ensures that no malicious activity goes unnoticed, even those masked by complex evasion techniques.

This level of granularity is invaluable for:

  1. Advanced Threat Detection: Analysts can identify hidden operations that may indicate sophisticated threats.
  2. Enhanced Forensic Investigation: With every system call at their fingertips, analysts can reconstruct a malware’s entire chain of actions, aiding in a more accurate attribution and understanding of its capabilities.
  3. Improved Incident Response: By pinpointing malicious actions early, organizations can respond faster and mitigate potential damage.

How It Complements Existing Features

The Syscalls feature doesn’t replace the Behavior tab but instead complements it. Think of the Behavior tab as a filtered summary of significant actions, while Syscalls provides the raw, unfiltered data for those who need to dive deeper. Together, they offer a holistic view of malware activity, ensuring both speed and depth in analysis.

Future-Proofing Threat Analysis

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field, and Threat.Zone remains committed to empowering analysts with the tools they need to stay ahead. The introduction of the Syscalls feature is a testament to this commitment, providing a powerful new weapon in the fight against advanced threats.

Ready to experience the power of granular malware analysis? Start exploring the raw system call data and uncovering threats like never before.

Sinan Ugur Atak
Head of RevOps