The traceability of malicious code refers to the tracking of the source of malicious code based on the characteristics of the target malicious code by analyzing the rules of the generation and propagation of malicious code and the correlation of derivation among malicious codes. The tracking technology can quickly locate the source of attacker or attacker, which would make a deterrent effect to the attacker. It has the important role and value in curbing deterring hacking attacks and improving the network security system. In recent years, the network security situation has become more and more severe. This study categorizes and summarizes research work in the academic and malicious code traceability field. First, the coding characteristics and evolutionary characteristics of malicious codes are revealled, and the relationship between these characteristics and traceability is analyzed. Then, the traceability techniques of malicious code are reviewed and the role and impact of each traceability phase are discussed in the industry and academia. Also analyzed is the level of confrontation of traceability of current malicious code. Finally, the challenges and the future development trend faced by malicious code tracing technology are discussed.