Summary: Researchers have identified a new malware framework dubbed “PolyMal” that utilizes small, on-device Language Models (SLMs) to rewrite its own source code before every execution. This allows the malware to change its file hash and logic structure dynamically, bypassing traditional signature-based EDR detection.
Business Impact: High Evasion Risk. This renders static antivirus signatures obsolete. The malware can “evolve” on the victim’s laptop, adapting its behavior to avoid the specific security tools installed on that machine.
Why It Happened: The proliferation of open-source, efficient SLMs (like Llama-Nano) allows attackers to bundle powerful code-generation capabilities directly into the malware payload without needing a command-and-control server.
Recommended Executive Action: Shift endpoint defense strategy to “Behavioral Analysis” only. Ensure your EDR is tuned to detect “process injection” and “anomalous API calls” rather than relying on file reputation or static scanning.
Hashtags: #PolyMal #AIMalware #EDREvasion #EndpointSecurity #NextGenThreat #CyberResearch