A polymorphic engine (sometimes called mutation engine or mutating engine) is a
software component that uses
polymorphic code to alter the
payload
Payload is the object or the entity which is being carried by an aircraft or launch vehicle. Sometimes payload also refers to the carrying capacity of an aircraft or launch vehicle, usually measured in terms of weight. Depending on the nature of ...
while preserving the same functionality.
Polymorphic
engines are used almost exclusively in
malware
Malware (a portmanteau for ''malicious software'') is any software intentionally designed to cause disruption to a computer, server, client, or computer network, leak private information, gain unauthorized access to information or systems, depri ...
, with the purpose of being harder for
antivirus software to detect. They do so either by
encrypting or
obfuscating the malware payload.
One common deployment is a
file binder that weaves malware into normal
files
File or filing may refer to:
Mechanical tools and processes
* File (tool), a tool used to ''remove'' fine amounts of material from a workpiece
**Filing (metalworking), a material removal process in manufacturing
** Nail file, a tool used to gent ...
, such as office documents. Since this type of malware is usually polymorphic, it is also known as a ''polymorphic packer''.
The engine of the
Virut botnet is an example of a polymorphic engine.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Polymorphic Engine
Types of malware