Malware Developers Increasingly Use V8 JavaScript for Evasion

Researchers at Check Point Research (CPR) have identified a rising trend in malware development involving the use of compiled V8 JavaScript to evade detection. By leveraging Google's V8 engine to compile JavaScript into low-level bytecode, attackers can conceal their code effectively, making static analysis challenging. CPR developed View8, a tool to decompile V8 bytecode, enabling the analysis of previously undetected malicious samples. Malware examples like ChromeLoader, ransomware strains, and a shellcode loader demonstrate the diverse applications of this technique. The use of V8 JavaScript allows cybercriminals to bypass traditional detection methods, posing a significant challenge to cybersecurity. This trend is concerning as it exploits common technologies, enabling malware to blend in with legitimate applications and evade detection. Advanced tools and continuous vigilance are crucial to combat these evolving threats effectively.