Forensic analysis of memory on Linux
Tracing Clues
In computer forensics, memory analysis is becoming increasingly important as a means for investigating security incidents. In this article, we provide an overview of the various memory dumping options on Linux and introduce the support in Linux for the Volatility Analysis Framework.
Experts agree that one of the first steps for diagnosing a potential intrusion incident is backing up a RAM image. Traditional investigations of persistent memory are no longer sufficient because, as the capacity of hard drives increases, you need to investigate a huge amount of data to detect an attack. Analysis of volatile memory can support and accelerate these investigations because forensic investigators only need to search through a comparatively small amount of data for clues relating to a successful attack. Additionally, RAM often contains important traces, such as information on running processes or active network connections.
Tapping into RAM is especially important for countering anti-forensics techniques. In some cases, it is possible to extract the passphrase for an encrypted drive from volatile memory. You can also detect non-persistent malware using RAM analysis. In targeted attacks, hackers often use malicious code that is only active in memory, and it leaves no data behind on the disk. This type of malware is virtually undetectable without analyzing volatile memory.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
KaOS 2022.06 Now Available With KDE Plasma 5.25
The newest iteration of KaOS Linux not only adds the latest KDE Plasma desktop but sets LibreOffice as the default.
-
Manjaro 21.3.0 Is Now Available
Manjaro “Ruah” has been released and includes the latest Calamares installer, GNOME 42, and much more.
-
SpiralLinux is a New Linux Distribution Focused on Simplicity
A new Linux distribution, from the creator of GeckoLinux, is a Debian-based operating system with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
-
HP Dev One Linux Laptop is Now Available for Pre-Order
The System76/HP collaboration Dev One laptop, geared toward developers, is now available for pre-order.
-
NixOS 22.5 Is Now Available
The latest release of NixOS with a much-improved package manager and a user-friendly graphical installer.
-
System76 Teams up with HP to Create the Dev One Laptop
HP and System76 have come together to develop a new laptop, powered by Pop!_OS and aimed toward developers.
-
Titan Linux is a New KDE Linux Based on Debian Stable
Titan Linux is a new Debian-based Linux distribution that features the KDE Plasma desktop with a focus on usability and performance.
-
Danielle Foré Has an Update for elementary OS 7
Now that Ubuntu 22.04 has been released, the team behind elementary OS is preparing for the upcoming 7.0 release.
-
Linux New Media Launches Open Source JobHub
New job website focuses on connecting technical and non-technical professionals with organizations in open source.
-
Ubuntu Cinnamon 22.04 Now Available
Ubuntu Cinnamon 22.04 has been released with all the additions from upstream as well as other features and improvements.