Malware analysis is a critical component of cybersecurity, allowing experts to understand the behavior, purpose, and origin of malicious software. Virtualization tools, such as Parallels Desktop, have become indispensable in this domain, offering a safe environment to dissect and study malware. In this article, we’ll delve into how to use Parallels Version 19 for malware analysis.

1. Introduction to Parallels Desktop 19

Parallels Desktop 19 is a virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. For malware analysts, this means creating isolated environments (virtual machines or VMs) where potentially harmful code can be executed without affecting the host system.

2. Setting Up a Virtual Environment

Step 1: Install Parallels Desktop 19 on your macOS system.

Step 2: Create a new virtual machine. Choose an OS that you believe the malware targets (e.g., Windows 10).

Step 3: Before installing the OS, modify the VM settings:

• Disconnect the VM from the network to prevent the malware from communicating externally.
• Allocate sufficient resources (RAM, CPU) to ensure smooth operation.

Step 4: Install the OS on the VM and set up essential tools for analysis, such as Wireshark, Process Explorer, and a hex editor.

3. Snapshot Creation

Before running the malware sample, create a snapshot of your VM. This allows you to revert to a clean state after your analysis, ensuring that the malware doesn’t persist.

4. Malware Execution and Analysis

Step 1: Transfer the malware sample to the VM using a shared folder or USB device.

Step 2: Before executing the malware, start your monitoring tools:

• Wireshark for network traffic analysis.
• Process Explorer to monitor system processes.
• Any other tools you deem necessary for your analysis.

Step 3: Execute the malware sample.

Step 4: Observe the malware’s behavior. Look for:

• New processes or services.
• File system changes.
• Registry modifications.
• Network activity.

5. Documenting Findings

As you analyze, document every observation. This includes screenshots, network logs, and any other relevant data. This documentation will be invaluable for threat intelligence, creating signatures for detection, or even legal purposes.

6. Cleanup

After your analysis, revert the VM to the snapshot you created earlier. This ensures that the malware is completely removed from the virtual environment.

7. Advanced Techniques

For more advanced users, Parallels Desktop 19 offers features like:

• Cloning VMs: Useful for running multiple analyses simultaneously.
• Nested Virtualization: Running a VM inside another VM, adding an extra layer of isolation.
• Configurable Hardware Settings: Adjusting settings like CPU and RAM to mimic different target environments.

Conclusion

Parallels Desktop 19 provides a robust platform for malware analysis, offering the safety and flexibility that analysts need. By understanding how to set up, execute, and document within this environment, cybersecurity professionals can gain invaluable insights into the threats they face, ensuring better protection for all.