Cisco Talos Unveils AI-Powered Reverse Engineering Method Using VB6 Disassembler vbdec

Cisco Talos has detailed a novel reverse-engineering methodology that integrates local AI agents directly with the VB6 disassembler vbdec, turning a traditionally static analysis tool into an interactive, queryable data server. The approach, described in the latest Threat Source newsletter, leverages a live Component Object Model (COM) interface to expose parsed data, allowing analysts to use natural language prompts to automate complex tasks such as decompiling functions or building call graphs.

Instead of bolting AI onto the software as an afterthought, the vbdec tool exposes its internal data structures through COM, enabling the AI agent to query and manipulate the disassembler in real time. This architectural shift means that analysts can generate custom workflows on the fly, bypassing the wait for new vendor features. The system transforms the disassembler from a static viewer into a highly interactive environment where repetitive tasks can be automated with simple language commands.

A key advantage of this methodology is its privacy preservation. Because both the AI agent and the disassembler operate on the same local machine, sensitive binaries never leave the analyst's workstation. This solves a massive privacy hurdle that often prevents security teams from using cloud-based AI tools for reverse engineering. The approach proves that any analysis tool holding structured data behind a GUI can become a powerhouse for agentic automation, saving defenders countless hours of tedious work.

Cisco Talos recommends that tool developers start exposing their application data through external scripting interfaces like COM or other inter-process communication (IPC) protocols. For analysts working with VB6 binaries, enabling remote scripting in vbdec and pointing a preferred local AI agent at the provided operator briefing can immediately start automating tasks. Security teams are encouraged to lean into this paradigm shift, letting agents handle the exhaustive, repeatable grunt work while analysts focus on actual analysis.

The newsletter also highlighted several other security headlines from the week, including ShinyHunters' claim of a Council of Europe breach, a large-scale credential-harvesting operation compromising over 30,000 Fortinet devices, and a fileless Phantom Stealer targeting browser credentials. However, the centerpiece of the publication remains the innovative reverse-engineering approach that promises to significantly enhance analyst efficiency.

This development comes at a time when the cybersecurity industry is increasingly exploring the integration of AI into security workflows. The ability to use natural language to interact with disassemblers could lower the barrier to entry for reverse engineering, while also accelerating the work of experienced analysts. By keeping the AI agent local, the approach also addresses growing concerns about data sovereignty and privacy in security operations.

Cisco Talos's methodology represents a practical step forward in making AI a seamless part of the reverse engineering toolkit. As tool developers begin to adopt similar IPC-based interfaces, the security community may see a wave of new automation capabilities that transform how analysts interact with complex binary analysis tools.