book

Malware Forensics Field Guide for Linux Systems

by Eoghan Casey, Cameron H. Malin, James M. Aquilina

December 2013

Intermediate to advanced

616 pages

14h 38m

English

Syngress

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Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Special Thanks to the Technical Editor
Biography
About the Authors
About the Technical Editor
Introduction
Introduction to Malware ForensicsClass Versus Individuating Characteristics
Chapter 1. Malware Incident Response: Volatile Data Collection and Examination on a Live Linux System
Solutions in this chapter:IntroductionVolatile Data Collection MethodologyNonvolatile Data Collection from a Live Linux SystemConclusionPitfalls to AvoidIncident Tool SuitesRemote Collection ToolsVolatile Data Collection and Analysis ToolsCollecting Subject System DetailsIdentifying Users Logged into the SystemNetwork Connections and ActivityProcess AnalysisLoaded ModulesOpen FilesCommand HistorySelected Readings

Chapter 2. Linux Memory Forensics: Analyzing Physical and Process Memory Dumps for Malware Artifacts
Solutions in this Chapter:IntroductionMemory Forensics Overview“Old School” Memory AnalysisHow Linux Memory Forensics Tools WorkLinux Memory Forensics ToolsInterpreting Various Data Structures in Linux MemoryDumping Linux Process MemoryDissecting Linux Process MemoryConclusionsPitfalls to AvoidField Notes: Memory ForensicsSelected Readings
Chapter 3. Postmortem Forensics: Discovering and Extracting Malware and Associated Artifacts from Linux Systems
Solutions in this ChapterIntroductionLinux Forensic Analysis OverviewMalware Discovery and Extraction from a Linux SystemExamine Linux File SystemExamine Application TracesKeyword SearchingForensic Reconstruction of Compromised Linux SystemsAdvanced Malware Discovery and Extraction from a Linux SystemConclusionsPitfalls to AvoidField Notes: Linux System ExaminationsForensic Tool SuitesTimeline GenerationSelected Readings
Chapter 4. Legal Considerations
Solutions in this Chapter:Framing the IssuesGeneral ConsiderationsSources of Investigative AuthorityStatutory Limits on AuthorityTools for Acquiring DataAcquiring Data Across BordersInvolving Law EnforcementImproving Chances for AdmissibilityState Private Investigator and Breach Notification StatutesInternational Resources:The Federal Rules: Evidence for Digital Investigators
Chapter 5. File Identification and Profiling: Initial Analysis of a Suspect File on a Linux System
Solutions in this Chapter:IntroductionOverview of the File Profiling ProcessWorking With Linux ExecutablesFile Similarity IndexingFile VisualizationSymbolic and Debug InformationEmbedded File MetadataFile Obfuscation: Packing and Encryption Identification
Embedded Artifact Extraction Revisited
Executable and Linkable Format (ELF)Profiling Suspect Document FilesProfiling Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) FilesProfiling Microsoft (MS) Office FilesConclusionPitfalls to AvoidConducting an incomplete file profileRelying upon file icons and extensions without further CONTEXT or deeper examinationSolely relying upon anti-virus signatures or third-party analysis of a “similar” file specimenExamining a suspect file in a forensically unsound laboratory environmentBasing conclusions upon a file profile without additional context or correlationNavigating to malicious URLS and IP addressesSelected ReadingsTechnical Specifications
Chapter 6. Analysis of a Malware Specimen
Solutions in this ChapterIntroductionGoalsGuidelines for Examining a Malicious File SpecimenEstablishing the Environment BaselinePre-Execution Preparation: System and Network MonitoringExecution Artifact Capture: Digital Impression and Trace EvidenceExecuting the Malicious Code SpecimenExecution Trajectory Analysis: Observing Network, Process, System Calls, and File System Activity
Automated Malware Analysis Frameworks
Embedded Artifact Extraction RevisitedInteracting with and Manipulating the Malware Specimen: Exploring and Verifying Functionality and PurposeEvent Reconstruction and Artifact Review: Post-Run Data AnalysisDigital Virology: Advanced Profiling Through Malware Taxonomy and PhylogenyConclusionPitfalls to AvoidIncomplete Evidence ReconstructionIncorrect Execution of a Malware SpecimenSolely Relying upon Automated Frameworks or Online Sandbox Analysis of a Malware SpecimenSubmitting Sensitive Files to Online Analysis SandboxesFailure to Adjust the Laboratory Environment to Ensure Full Execution TrajectoryFailure to Examine Evidence Dynamics During and After the Execution of Malware SpecimenFailure to Examine the Embedded Artifacts of a Target Malware Specimen After it is Executed and Extracted from Obfuscation CodeSelected Readings
Index

Content preview from Malware Forensics Field Guide for Linux Systems

Chapter 2

Linux Memory Forensics

Analyzing Physical and Process Memory Dumps for Malware Artifacts

Solutions in this Chapter:

• Memory Forensics Overview

• Old School Memory Analysis

• How Linux Memory Forensics Tools Work

• Linux Memory Forensics Tools

• Interpreting Various Data Structures in Linux Memory

• Dumping Linux Process Memory

• Analyzing Linux Process Memory

Introduction

The importance of memory forensics in malware investigations cannot be overstated. A complete capture of memory on a compromised computer generally bypasses the methods that malware use to trick operating systems, providing digital investigators with a more comprehensive view of the malware. In some cases, malware leaves little trace elsewhere on the compromised ...

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