Malware and Windows APIs: A Dangerous Duo

Abstract

This paper introduces its interaction with malware and Windows APIs (application programming interface). The first section describes malware and investigates various types such as viruses, worms and trojans, as well as provides a brief history of malware and its evolution. The second section provides an overview of the Windows APIs. It shows how these interfaces allow software and operating systems to communicate with each other. It also highlights the most commonly used Windows APIs and their functions۔ The follow-up section explores how malware uses Windows APIs for malicious purposes، Explains the common methods used by malware to communicate with these interfaces۔ Includes real-world examples of malware attacks that use some Windows APIs. The study then turns its attention to the Windows API security mechanism, given the security measures taken by Windows to prevent the use of unauthorized APIs۔ The importance of user account control (UAC) and various monitoring and access control systems has been highlighted. The next section introduces the API Hoking and its application to malware. Which explains the strategies used by malware to hook Windows APIs۔ The effects of API hooking and possible detection methods are also discussed. This article provides an in-depth overview of real-world malware that exploits Windows APIs through case studies and analysis. Notable malware analyzes examples using family and API-based attacks۔ The article discusses security tools and ways to identify and block API-based malware, as well as how to design secure programs with Windows APIs Suggestions for this have also been discussed. Finally, malware tactics targeting Windows APIs discuss potential trends and issues, as well as expected API security challenges in the Windows context. This study continues to look at advances in Windows API security and their implications for malware prevention.