PolyMorph is an innovative open-source malware detection solution designed specifically for APE (Actually Portable Executable), Zig, and WASM (WebAssembly). This unique tool addresses the challenges posed by polyglot malware - files that operate as valid binaries across multiple formats, allowing them to evade traditional antivirus strategies.

The Modern Malware Landscape

Contemporary malware frequently utilizes polyglot files to bypass detection mechanisms. Below are some significant types of threats:

• APE (Actually Portable Executable): A binary that can execute on various operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, and BSD.
• Zig Malware: Exploits direct syscalls to evade endpoint detection and response systems (e.g., Hell's Gate, Halo's Gate).
• WASM Cryptominers: Recent studies indicate that approximately 75% of WASM modules are malicious, demonstrating a rapidly growing threat vector.

Research indicates that many existing antivirus systems are ineffective against these advanced threats. According to findings by Jana & Shmatikov (2012), 20 out of 36 malware detectors were bypassed by polyglots, and Cabrera-Arteaga (2024) reported a staggering 90% evasion rate against VirusTotal for WASM samples.

Unique Value Proposition

PolyMorph is the first open-source tool capable of detecting malware across APE, Zig, and WASM formats simultaneously, filling a significant gap in the current malware defense landscape.

Usage Example

To get started with PolyMorph, clone the repository and build the project using Cargo:

git clone https://github.com/xonoxitron/polymorph
cd polymorph
cargo build --release

# Scan a binary
./target/release/polymorph suspicious.exe

# Output in JSON format
./target/release/polymorph --json malware.wasm

Explore Further

The project includes a variety of examples, such as basic file scanning and batch processing, located in the examples/ directory. For detailed technical documentation, please refer to the various guides available:

• Quick Start
• Architecture
• WASM Detection

Contributions to the project are encouraged, and additional information can be found in the CONTRIBUTING.md file.

Join the effort to enhance security in a digital landscape where traditional defenses often fall short.