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Sandbox

Definition

An isolated execution environment, typically a virtual machine, where a malware sample runs under full instrumentation. The sandbox logs all system calls, file operations, network traffic, and process activity while preventing the sample from reaching production infrastructure.

Related terms

API hooking
A monitoring technique in which the sandbox intercepts calls the malware makes to operating-system API functions. Each intercepted call is logged with...
Behavioural analysis
The examination of what a program does at runtime rather than what its code says at rest. Behavioural analysis captures the actual...
Evasion detection
Malware logic that checks whether the execution environment is a real host or an analysis sandbox. Checks may query hardware identifiers, count...
MITRE ATT&CK mapping
The process of classifying observed malware behaviours against the MITRE ATT&CK framework's taxonomy of adversary tactics and techniques. Sandbox platforms increasingly produce...
Network indicator
A network-based artefact produced by malware at runtime, such as a DNS query, an IP address contacted, an HTTP request path, a...

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