Zmist
Computer Virus
Zmist (also known as Z0mbie.Mistfall) is a metamorphic computer virus created by the Russian virus writer known as Z0mbie. It was the first virus to use a technique known as "code integration". In the words of Ferrie and Ször:
This virus supports a unique new technique: code integration.
The Mistfall engine contained in it is capable of
decompiling Portable Executable files to [their] smallest
elements, requiring 32 MB of memory. Zmist will insert
itself into the code: it moves code blocks out of the way,
inserts itself, regenerates code and data references, including
relocation information, and rebuilds the executable.
Variants
Zmist.gen!674CD7362358 - discovered in 2012.
ZMist!IK - discovered 2011 - 2012.
Zmist.A - discovered in 2006 - 2007.
See also
Simile, a well-known metamorphic virus
Computer virus
References
External links
"Hunting for metamorphic", Metamorphic viruses description by Ször and Ferrie
"Virus.Win32.ZMist.Predetect" by Secure List.
This brief starts where responsible research should: with the source description of “Zmist” as computer Virus. Everything that follows is an evidence route, not borrowed authority.
Why this record matters
The subject matters to the general reference register because the source frames it as computer Virus. Its deeper value depends on whether names, dates, institutions and citations support that framing.
Vocabulary and entity names are the principal evidence signals here, because they determine the precision of every later search. The source revision retrieved here is dated Mar 15, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q8073103. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 2012, 2011, 2006 and 2007.
Overview language is designed for orientation and should not be treated as a substitute for the evidence cited beneath it. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Zmist”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Zmist primary sources, Zmist archive and Zmist research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Zmist”?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
- What terminology or title could unlock a more precise catalogue search?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Zmist” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.