Malware Analyst

File identification

Overview

This public intake copy packages plugins/antigravity-awesome-skills-claude/skills/malware-analyst from https://github.com/sickn33/antigravity-awesome-skills into the native Omni Skills editorial shape without hiding its origin.

Use it when the operator needs the upstream workflow, support files, and repository context to stay intact while the public validator and private enhancer continue their normal downstream flow.

This intake keeps the copied upstream files intact and uses the external_source block in metadata.json plus ORIGIN.md as the provenance anchor for review.

File identification file sample.exe sha256sum sample.exe # String extraction strings -a sample.exe | head -100 FLOSS sample.exe # Obfuscated strings # Packer detection diec sample.exe # Detect It Easy exeinfope sample.exe # Import analysis rabin2 -i sample.exe dumpbin /imports sample.exe ### Phase 3: Static Analysis 1. Load in disassembler: IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Binary Ninja 2. Identify main functionality: Entry point, WinMain, DllMain 3. Map execution flow: Key decision points, loops 4. Identify capabilities: Network, file, registry, process operations 5. Extract IOCs: C2 addresses, file paths, mutex names ### Phase 4: Dynamic Analysis ` 1. Environment Setup: - Windows VM with common software installed - Process Monitor, Wireshark, Regshot - API Monitor or x64dbg with logging - INetSim or FakeNet for network simulation 2. Execution: - Start monitoring tools - Execute sample - Observe behavior for 5-10 minutes - Trigger functionality (connect to network, etc.) 3. Documentation: - Network connections attempted - Files created/modified - Registry changes - Processes spawned - Persistence mechanisms

Imported source sections that did not map cleanly to the public headings are still preserved below or in the support files. Notable imported sections: Common Malware Techniques, Tool Proficiency, IOC Extraction, Reporting Framework, Executive Summary, Sample Information.

When to Use This Skill

Use this section as the trigger filter. It should make the activation boundary explicit before the operator loads files, runs commands, or opens a pull request.

• Working on file identification tasks or workflows
• Needing guidance, best practices, or checklists for file identification
• The task is unrelated to file identification
• You need a different domain or tool outside this scope
• Use when the request clearly matches the imported source intent: Expert malware analyst specializing in defensive malware research, threat intelligence, and incident response. Masters sandbox analysis, behavioral analysis, and malware family identification.
• Use when the operator should preserve upstream workflow detail instead of rewriting the process from scratch.

Operating Table

Workflow

This workflow is intentionally editorial and operational at the same time. It keeps the imported source useful to the operator while still satisfying the public intake standards that feed the downstream enhancer flow.

1. Clarify goals, constraints, and required inputs.
2. Apply relevant best practices and validate outcomes.
3. Provide actionable steps and verification.
4. If detailed examples are required, open resources/implementation-playbook.md.
5. Confirm the user goal, the scope of the imported workflow, and whether this skill is still the right router for the task.
6. Read the overview and provenance files before loading any copied upstream support files.
7. Load only the references, examples, prompts, or scripts that materially change the outcome for the current request.

Imported Workflow Notes

Imported: Instructions

• Clarify goals, constraints, and required inputs.
• Apply relevant best practices and validate outcomes.
• Provide actionable steps and verification.
• If detailed examples are required, open resources/implementation-playbook.md.

Imported: Common Malware Techniques

Persistence Mechanisms

Registry Run keys       - HKCU/HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Scheduled tasks         - schtasks, Task Scheduler
Services               - CreateService, sc.exe
WMI subscriptions      - Event subscriptions for execution
DLL hijacking          - Plant DLLs in search path
COM hijacking          - Registry CLSID modifications
Startup folder         - %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
Boot records           - MBR/VBR modification

Evasion Techniques

Anti-VM                - CPUID, registry checks, timing
Anti-debugging         - IsDebuggerPresent, NtQueryInformationProcess
Anti-sandbox           - Sleep acceleration detection, mouse movement
Packing                - UPX, Themida, VMProtect, custom packers
Obfuscation           - String encryption, control flow flattening
Process hollowing      - Inject into legitimate process
Living-off-the-land    - Use built-in tools (PowerShell, certutil)

C2 Communication

HTTP/HTTPS            - Web traffic to blend in
DNS tunneling         - Data exfil via DNS queries
Domain generation     - DGA for resilient C2
Fast flux             - Rapidly changing DNS
Tor/I2P               - Anonymity networks
Social media          - Twitter, Pastebin as C2 channels
Cloud services        - Legitimate services as C2

Examples

Example 1: Ask for the upstream workflow directly

Use @malware-analyst to handle <task>. Start from the copied upstream workflow, load only the files that change the outcome, and keep provenance visible in the answer.

Explanation: This is the safest starting point when the operator needs the imported workflow, but not the entire repository.

Example 2: Ask for a provenance-grounded review

Review @malware-analyst against metadata.json and ORIGIN.md, then explain which copied upstream files you would load first and why.

Explanation: Use this before review or troubleshooting when you need a precise, auditable explanation of origin and file selection.

Example 3: Narrow the copied support files before execution

Use @malware-analyst for <task>. Load only the copied references, examples, or scripts that change the outcome, and name the files explicitly before proceeding.

Explanation: This keeps the skill aligned with progressive disclosure instead of loading the whole copied package by default.

Example 4: Build a reviewer packet

Review @malware-analyst using the copied upstream files plus provenance, then summarize any gaps before merge.

Explanation: This is useful when the PR is waiting for human review and you want a repeatable audit packet.

Best Practices

Treat the generated public skill as a reviewable packaging layer around the upstream repository. The goal is to keep provenance explicit and load only the copied source material that materially improves execution.

• Incident response and forensics
• Threat intelligence research
• Security product development
• Academic research
• CTF competitions
• Creating or distributing malware
• Attacking systems without authorization

Imported Operating Notes

Imported: Ethical Guidelines

Appropriate Use

• Incident response and forensics
• Threat intelligence research
• Security product development
• Academic research
• CTF competitions

Never Assist With

• Creating or distributing malware
• Attacking systems without authorization
• Evading security products maliciously
• Building botnets or C2 infrastructure
• Any offensive operations without proper authorization

Troubleshooting

Problem: The operator skipped the imported context and answered too generically

Symptoms: The result ignores the upstream workflow in plugins/antigravity-awesome-skills-claude/skills/malware-analyst, fails to mention provenance, or does not use any copied source files at all. Solution: Re-open metadata.json, ORIGIN.md, and the most relevant copied upstream files. Check the external_source block first, then restate the provenance before continuing.

Problem: The imported workflow feels incomplete during review

Symptoms: Reviewers can see the generated SKILL.md, but they cannot quickly tell which references, examples, or scripts matter for the current task. Solution: Point at the exact copied references, examples, scripts, or assets that justify the path you took. If the gap is still real, record it in the PR instead of hiding it.

Problem: The task drifted into a different specialization

Symptoms: The imported skill starts in the right place, but the work turns into debugging, architecture, design, security, or release orchestration that a native skill handles better. Solution: Use the related skills section to hand off deliberately. Keep the imported provenance visible so the next skill inherits the right context instead of starting blind.

Related Skills

• @00-andruia-consultant - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
• @00-andruia-consultant-v2 - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
• @10-andruia-skill-smith - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
• @10-andruia-skill-smith-v2 - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.

Additional Resources

Use this support matrix and the linked files below as the operator packet for this imported skill. They should reflect real copied source material, not generic scaffolding.

Imported Reference Notes

Imported: Tool Proficiency

Analysis Platforms

Cuckoo Sandbox       - Open-source automated analysis
ANY.RUN              - Interactive cloud sandbox
Hybrid Analysis      - VirusTotal alternative
Joe Sandbox          - Enterprise sandbox solution
CAPE                 - Cuckoo fork with enhancements

Monitoring Tools

Process Monitor      - File, registry, process activity
Process Hacker       - Advanced process management
Wireshark            - Network packet capture
API Monitor          - Win32 API call logging
Regshot              - Registry change comparison

Unpacking Tools

Unipacker            - Automated unpacking framework
x64dbg + plugins     - Scylla for IAT reconstruction
OllyDumpEx           - Memory dump and rebuild
PE-sieve             - Detect hollowed processes
UPX                  - For UPX-packed samples

Imported: IOC Extraction

Indicators to Extract

Network:
  - IP addresses (C2 servers)
  - Domain names
  - URLs
  - User-Agent strings
  - JA3/JA3S fingerprints

File System:
  - File paths created
  - File hashes (MD5, SHA1, SHA256)
  - File names
  - Mutex names

Registry:
  - Registry keys modified
  - Persistence locations

Process:
  - Process names
  - Command line arguments
  - Injected processes

YARA Rules

rule Malware_Generic_Packer
{
    meta:
        description = "Detects common packer characteristics"
        author = "Security Analyst"

    strings:
        $mz = { 4D 5A }
        $upx = "UPX!" ascii
        $section = ".packed" ascii

    condition:
        $mz at 0 and ($upx or $section)
}

Imported: Reporting Framework

Analysis Report Structure

# Malware Analysis Report

#### Imported: Executive Summary

- Sample identification
- Key findings
- Threat level assessment

#### Imported: Sample Information

- Hashes (MD5, SHA1, SHA256)
- File type and size
- Compilation timestamp
- Packer information

#### Imported: Static Analysis

- Imports and exports
- Strings of interest
- Code analysis findings

#### Imported: Dynamic Analysis

- Execution behavior
- Network activity
- Persistence mechanisms
- Evasion techniques

#### Imported: Indicators of Compromise

- Network IOCs
- File system IOCs
- Registry IOCs

#### Imported: Recommendations

- Detection rules
- Mitigation steps
- Remediation guidance

Imported: Response Approach

1. Verify context: Ensure defensive/authorized purpose
2. Assess sample: Quick triage to understand what we're dealing with
3. Recommend approach: Appropriate analysis methodology
4. Guide analysis: Step-by-step instructions with safety considerations
5. Extract value: IOCs, detection rules, understanding
6. Document findings: Clear reporting for stakeholders

Imported: Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.