Android Package (APK) Malware Analysis
Malware analysts must develop the skills needed to perform the necessary steps. Malware authors are constantly innovating and we, too, future malware analysts must cope with this. Performing procedures and staged analysis can help to simplify the life of an analyst. Depending on the situation, an analyst may encounter a situation inside their organization that requires them to respond to a fast paced procedure when it comes to an incident.
APK Malware Analysis
Android Package (APK) Malware Analysis examines Android applications to detect malicious intent or behaviour. This analysis focuses on APK files, the package format used by the Android operating system, and can involve various techniques to extract valuable insights.
APK Analysis includes inspecting the app’s manifest file, permissions, embedded resources, and libraries without executing the file. This helps identify anomalies such as excessive permissions, hardcoded sensitive data, or obfuscated code.
Typically, this type of analysis is performed to check for malicious payloads, understand the app’s structure, and uncover potential vulnerabilities or threats. It is handy in identifying simple malware behaviors, such as spyware or adware, and preparing the environment for deeper analysis.
Even though APK malware analysis often avoids execution, it is critical to conduct it within an isolated environment to prevent accidental infections. Running the app in a sandboxed environment can provide dynamic insights if static analysis doesn’t suffice. This ensures the analyst can safely understand the app’s inner workings without risking system compromise.
APKTool
JADX
Bytecode Viewer
