Uncovering security vulnerabilities through multiplatform malware analysis

Abstract

Cybercriminals, keen on staying anonymous, focus on creating secure connections to hide their activities. This has fueled the rise of malware, especially remote access trojans (RATs), designed to protect themselves for long‐term use and profit. This research investigates how multiplatform malware analysis can expose security weaknesses across Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. We designed and analyzed custom malware to uncover vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to establish persistent, hidden access. The malware was programmed to bypass detection while performing actions like stealing sensitive data, launching denial‐of‐service attacks, and generating fake website traffic. Controlled lab experiments and real‐world simulations confirmed the malware's ability to operate stealthily on various platforms, highlighting critical security gaps. By uncovering these vulnerabilities, this study provides valuable insights for strengthening cybersecurity defenses.