Malicious Code Injection

Malicious code is considered as a term used in describing any code within any part of the software system or the script which is intended to cause some undesired effects, damage to the system or security breaches.  This is also considered as application security threat which couldn’t be controlled efficiently through conventional antivirus software. This as well describes a broad category of system in security terms which include attack viruses, worms, scripts, backdoors, Trojan horses and some malicious active content.

Malicious code might take forms such as Java Applets, Scripting Languages, Pushed Content, ActiveX Controls and Browser Plugins. If this is already inside your environment, malicious code could enter network drives and then propagate. This might also cause mail and network server overload through sending email messages, deleting document files, passwords and files, stealing passwords and data and even reformatting hard drives.

In addition, malicious code might also provide user with remote access into the computer. And this is considered as application backdoor. Backdoors might be created along with malicious intent in gaining access to the confidential customer or company information. However, they could as well be created through a programmer that wants to have quick access into the application intended for troubleshooting purposes. They could also be created inadvertently by programming errors. All the malicious code and backdoors could become a security threat once they are found as well as exploited by unauthorized users or by hackers. Since applications nowadays are building more and more often along with reusable components coming from different sources and different security levels, malicious code could pose operational risk into numbers of enterprises in this industry.

And so how are you going to avoid malicious code?

One of the best ways in order to avoid malicious code is to simply add static analysis into your software development cycle in order to review the code for the presence of the said malicious code. Static code analysis looks into the applications within non-runtime environment. The said method of security testing would have distinct advantages for it could evaluate both the web applications and the non-web applications. And by advanced modeling, it could detect malicious code in the outputs and inputs of the software which couldn’t be seen by other testing methodologies.

Apart from that, this solution also has this ability of detecting applications for the malicious code threats which include hardcoded cryptographic constants and credentials, time bombs, rootkits, anti-debugging techniques and deliberate data and information leakage. The said targeted malicious code threats are considered to be hidden into the software and so mask the presence in order to evade detection through traditional security technologies. The detection capabilities of the said solution could provide comprehensive support in order to combat against the malicious code and backdoors as well.

Additionally, flaws could also be found in software which might lead to vulnerabilities. There could be a scan process that might turn up a certain instance inadequate authentication which could be a possible risk into the enterprise security.