Convolutional neural networks for functional classification of opcode sequences

Michael S. Lee

doi:10.1117/12.2302715

Abstract

Traditional malware detection is performed by pattern matching files against a database of known signatures. There are several limitations to this approach including zero-day attacks and encryption. We envision an alternative strategy whereby machine learning (ML) models are trained to classify malware on dynamically-derived CPU instruction streams. Many ML algorithms have the potential to recognize code fragments not explicitly seen before. Furthermore, the analysis of dynamic instruction streams (vs. static disassembly) potentially defeats encryption, as encrypted malware must decrypt itself before being operational. In this work, we begin to assess the viability of our vision by using convolution neural networks to classify the function of various types of small programs from their stream of CPU instructions. Intriguingly, we find that a model comprised of a few layers of convolutional filters performs on par with a shallow single-layer convolutional network.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Michael S. Lee, Michael S. Lee, } "Convolutional neural networks for functional classification of opcode sequences", Proc. SPIE 10652, Disruptive Technologies in Information Sciences, 106520R (9 May 2018); doi: 10.1117/12.2302715; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2302715

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

PERSONAL SIGN IN
Full access may be available with your subscription

Email or Username Forgot your username?

Password Forgot your password?

Show

Remember Email/Username on this computer

Remember Password

No SPIE account? Create an account
or Institutional Sign In via Shibboleth

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $14.40

Non-members: $18.00 ADD TO CART

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years