In the arms race of cybersecurity, attackers constantly innovate new ways to hide malicious code inside documents. But physics (and file format specifications) remain constant. IDSxls strips away the illusion of the spreadsheet, revealing the raw, cold file system underneath.
Whether you are a SOC analyst triaging a phishing alert, a forensic investigator building a timeline, or a malware reverse engineer hunting for novel persistence mechanisms, IDSxls is a scalpel in a world of sledgehammers.
Quick Reference Card:
| Command | Purpose |
| :--- | :--- |
| idsxls -l file.xls | List all streams |
| idsxls -d file.xls | Show directory tree |
| idsxls -h file.xls | Run heuristics (AutoExec check) |
| idsxls -e file.xls | Extract all VBA macros |
| idsxls -s "StreamName" file.xls | Dump a specific binary stream |
Download: You can find IDSxls as part of Didier Stevens' tools on his official GitHub or personal blog.
Have you used IDSxls to uncover a clever piece of malware? Share your stories in the comments below.
Stay safe, and always analyze in a sandbox. idsxls work
Below are the key resources and concepts regarding how this work is executed.
1. The Core Technology: Information Delivery Specification (IDS)
The "IDS" part refers to the buildingSMART standard for defining data requirements in a machine-readable way.
Automation: Unlike traditional PDF requirements, IDS files can be used by software to automatically check if a 3D model (IFC) contains the correct information (like fire ratings or material types).
Interoperability: It allows different teams to use different software while maintaining a single, consistent standard for data quality. 2. Leading Tools for IDS-Excel Integration
Because many engineers and architects are more comfortable with spreadsheets than XML coding, several "IDS-to-XLS" tools have been developed to simplify the process. In the arms race of cybersecurity, attackers constantly
Excel2IDS (buildingSMART Community): This is a highly regarded GitHub-hosted tool that allows users to generate IDS files directly from a specific Excel template. It is ideal for teams wanting to "write" their requirements in a familiar environment and "export" them for automated checking.
IDS Converter (by Carlos Dias): An online web app and GitHub repository that facilitates the conversion of information requirements in .xlsx files into the official IDS standard. It helps transform simple property lists into structured, validatable code.
Solibri IDS Editor: A professional tool that supports uploading previously created files to edit and download them in the standard .ids format. 3. Practical Applications in Industry
In practice, "idsxls" work is used to solve the "research gap" where teams struggle to verify model quality without purchasing expensive, specialized software.
Bidding & Tenders: Developers attach IDS-generated spreadsheets to bidding documents so contractors know exactly what data is required.
Centralized Management: Advanced workflows involve a centralized database where definitions are managed; a single change in the database updates the rules for AI checking and pick lists across the project. 4. Avoiding Confusion with "ID Generation" Whether you are a SOC analyst triaging a
The download manager executes the commands. It queues the files, manages bandwidth, handles errors (like broken links), and saves the files to the specified locations.
The workflow typically involves three distinct stages:
The concept of IDSXLS work is not limited to on-premise servers. Major cloud providers offer serverless and low-code alternatives.
Raw IDS data is rarely ready for immediate human analysis. The "work" here involves:
The fundamental idea behind "IDS XLS work" is Batch Processing. Instead of entering download URLs one by one into a browser or download manager, the user compiles a list of source URLs, destination folders, and timing instructions within a Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx) file.
A specialized download tool or script then reads this Excel file row-by-row and executes the downloads automatically.
Ambiguity in source files is the number one cause of IDSXLS work failures. Create locked templates with:
The transformed data is then sent to the target application via API, database insert, or another file export. The IDS logs each operation, marking the IDSXLS work as succeeded, failed, or requiring manual intervention.
