Wireshark Projects: Detecting and Investigating Malware Traffic

In this project, I demonstrate how to use Wireshark to detect and investigate malware traffic. Recognizing malicious behavior in network captures is essential for protecting systems and responding to threats.

Setup

• Wireshark: Download Here
• Sample PCAP file with malware activity

Exercise 1: Loading a Sample PCAP File

Open Wireshark, navigate to File > Open, and select the malware sample PCAP. Traffic appears in the main window.

Exercise 2: Identifying Malicious Traffic Patterns

• Scan for repeated connections, odd ports, large data transfers
• Filters used:
  • ip.addr == x.x.x.x
  • tcp.port == 4444
  • http.request

Exercise 3: Analyzing Malicious Traffic

Select suspicious packets, inspect headers and payloads by expanding protocol sections.

Exercise 4: Following the Malware's Communication Stream

• Right-click > Follow > TCP Stream
• Examine conversations for encoded data, commands, or unusual activity

Exercise 5: Documenting and Reporting Findings

• Note IPs, ports, payload details
• Compile a report summarizing findings and patterns

Conclusion

This walkthrough reinforces the importance of traffic inspection in security. Wireshark is a critical tool for uncovering malicious behavior and documenting findings for further action.