Malware researchers and cybersecurity specialists frequently seek malicious software samples to analyse threat techniques and develop effective defence mechanisms. Accessing these samples is a critical component of understanding evolving cyber threats, yet finding reliable, free sources can be challenging. This article outlines a curated list of free malware sample sources available to researchers, detailing the registration requirements, access methods, and essential precautions for safe handling.
The landscape of free malware sample resources includes platforms that offer both curated collections and community-submitted analyses. These services vary in their scope, from comprehensive databases with millions of samples to specialised repositories focusing on specific types of malware. Researchers must navigate these options while adhering to strict security protocols to prevent accidental infection of their own systems.
Understanding the eligibility and access rules for each resource is crucial. Most platforms require user registration, and some impose additional verification steps to ensure that samples are used responsibly for legitimate research purposes. The following sections provide a detailed overview of the key sources, their features, and the necessary steps to obtain samples safely.
Key Free Malware Sample Sources
Several established platforms provide free access to malware samples for research. These resources are widely recognised within the cybersecurity community and offer varying levels of access, sample volume, and analytical tools.
ANY.RUN
ANY.RUN is an online interactive sandbox with a vast database of malware samples. The platform hosts over 6.2 million public submissions, with fresh samples delivered constantly. Researchers worldwide contribute to this collection, running more than 14,000 tasks daily. Registered users can rerun and analyse samples, obtain reports and Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), and download malware for testing. The “Public submissions” window allows users to explore all tasks that service users have chosen to share with the community. A filter system helps researchers find specific malicious programs efficiently.
Registration is required to access ANY.RUN’s free features. The platform also offers premium subscriptions for private analysis of tasks. Researchers are advised to use the service in a controlled environment to avoid system compromise.
VirusSign
VirusSign provides daily free malware samples and threat intelligence for cybersecurity researchers. These feeds are extracted from the platform’s computer malware datasets, which contain approximately 100 records (samples) per day. Additionally, VirusSign offers daily feeds generated by its AI-powered AMAS (Automated Malware Analysis System), which have been confirmed as non-false positives and also extract around 100 samples per day. Both resources are available for download to all free account holders.
To access these resources, users must sign up for the VirusSign community. The platform emphasises that downloading and handling malware poses serious risks to computer and network security. It strongly recommends that only experts with the necessary expertise and precautions in a controlled, isolated environment download samples. By downloading data, users agree to VirusSign’s disclaimer. An enhanced, comprehensive malware samples database is available through a premium plan.
MalwareBazaar
MalwareBazaar is a free source for malware samples, listed among curated resources for researchers. It requires registration for access. The platform is designed to support researchers in analysing threat techniques and developing defences. Specific details on sample volume or daily updates are not provided in the source material.
Hybrid Analysis
Hybrid Analysis is another free resource that requires registration. It is included in lists of online security resources for malware sample acquisition. The platform likely provides both sample access and analysis tools, though the source material does not elaborate on its specific features or sample volume.
VirusShare
VirusShare is a registered-access source for malware samples. It is frequently cited as a valuable resource for researchers seeking a wide range of malicious software for analysis. The platform’s registration process and sample availability are not detailed in the provided chunks.
vx-underground
vx-underground is a free source of malware samples, often cited in research circles. It is listed among resources that do not explicitly require registration in the provided material, though researchers should verify current access policies. The platform is known for hosting a variety of malware families and samples.
Other Notable Sources
Additional free malware sample sources listed in the research include: - Contagio Malware Dump: A curated resource that requires a password for access. - CAPE Sandbox: A sandbox service that requires registration. - Hatching Triage: Requires registration for access. - InQuest Malware Samples on GitHub: Available on GitHub, though specific access requirements are not detailed. - MalShare: Requires registration. - MalwareSamples Malware-Feed: A curated feed of malware samples. - Malware DB: A general database of malware samples. - Objective-See Collection: Specialises in Mac malware. - DynamiteLab PCAPs: Provides malware samples contained within downloadable PCAP (Packet Capture) files. - PolySwarm: Requires registration. - theZoo aka Malware DB: A repository of malware samples. - URLhaus: Provides links to live sites hosting malware, useful for tracking active threats. - Virus and Malware Samples: Includes APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) samples and requires registration. - Yomi: Requires registration.
Access and Registration Requirements
Most free malware sample sources require user registration. This is a common practice to ensure that samples are used responsibly and to track usage for security purposes. Platforms like ANY.RUN, VirusSign, MalwareBazaar, Hybrid Analysis, and VirusShare explicitly state that registration is necessary. Others, such as Contagio Malware Dump, require a password in addition to or instead of standard registration.
The registration process typically involves providing an email address and creating an account. Some platforms may require verification to confirm the user’s identity as a legitimate researcher. This step helps prevent misuse of the samples for malicious purposes.
Researchers should review the terms of service and privacy policies of each platform before registering. These documents outline the permitted uses of the samples, data handling practices, and liability disclaimers. For example, VirusSign requires users to agree to a disclaimer acknowledging the risks involved in handling malware.
Precautions for Safe Handling
Handling malware samples carries significant risks, including the potential for system infection, data loss, and network compromise. All sources emphasise the importance of taking precautions to avoid these dangers. Key recommendations include:
- Use a Controlled Environment: Access and analyse malware samples only in a secure, isolated environment, such as a virtual machine (VM) or a dedicated sandbox. This prevents malware from escaping to your primary system or network.
- Expertise Required: Only individuals with the necessary cybersecurity expertise should attempt to download or analyse malware. Inexperienced users risk causing unintended damage.
- Regular Updates: Ensure that any analysis tools or virtual environments are regularly updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Backup Systems: Maintain regular backups of critical data to mitigate the impact of potential infections.
- Network Isolation: Disconnect the analysis environment from the internet or your main network to prevent malware from spreading.
Sources like VirusSign explicitly state that downloading malware poses serious risks and should only be undertaken by experts with appropriate precautions. Cybersight Security’s disclaimer also highlights the user’s responsibility for safe handling, noting that the repository contains real malicious software and that improper use could cause damage.
Sample Use and Licensing
The intended use of free malware samples is strictly for research and educational purposes. Platforms like Cybersight Security’s Malware Samples Repository allow users to use the samples for research, study malware behaviour, and develop detection and prevention mechanisms. The repository includes a full license text, and users must agree to use the samples exclusively for legitimate research in controlled environments.
Similarly, ANY.RUN is described as a service for education and research, with tools for monitoring malware trends. Researchers are encouraged to use these resources to understand malicious activity and improve defensive strategies.
It is important to note that the sources provided do not specify commercial use permissions. Researchers should assume that samples are intended for non-commercial, educational, or defensive research unless explicitly stated otherwise by the platform.
Limitations and Considerations
While the listed sources provide valuable resources for malware research, there are limitations to consider. The availability of specific malware families or sample types may vary between platforms. For instance, Objective-See Collection focuses on Mac malware, while DynamiteLab PCAPs offer malware within network packet captures. Researchers may need to use multiple sources to obtain a comprehensive set of samples for their work.
Additionally, the reliability of samples can differ. Curated sources like Contagio Malware Dump and MalwareSamples Malware-Feed may offer higher confidence in sample integrity, while community-submitted platforms like ANY.RUN rely on user uploads, which may require additional verification.
The frequency of updates also varies. VirusSign provides daily feeds of approximately 100 samples, whereas other sources may not specify update schedules. Researchers should check each platform’s documentation for current information on sample volume and freshness.
Conclusion
Accessing free malware samples is essential for cybersecurity research, enabling analysts to study threats and develop defences. Numerous platforms, such as ANY.RUN, VirusSign, MalwareBazaar, and Hybrid Analysis, offer samples with varying access requirements, typically involving registration. Researchers must prioritise safety by using isolated environments and possessing the necessary expertise to handle malicious software responsibly. While these resources provide valuable data for defensive research, users should carefully review each platform’s terms and precautions to mitigate risks. The curated list of sources outlined in this article serves as a starting point for researchers seeking to expand their malware analysis capabilities.