ELF Format Explained: What Linux Malware Analysts Need to Know

The ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) is the Linux equivalent of Windows' PE format and is essential knowledge for malware analysts as Linux-targeted threats rise. ELF binaries have two structural views: program headers used by the kernel to load the binary into memory, and section headers used by linkers and debuggers for analysis. Malware frequently strips the Section Header Table to obstruct reverse engineering, yet the binary continues to execute normally since the kernel relies only on program headers. Key sections such as .text, .rodata, and .init_array are common areas where malicious logic, C2 URLs, and pre-main() code are hidden. Tools like readelf, objdump, and checksec help analysts identify suspicious indicators such as stripped headers, disabled security mitigations, and unusual entry point addresses.