Making, Downloading, and Analyzing a Memory Dump (memory_dump_vm)

Making and download a Memory Dump

Making a memory dump refers to the process of capturing the content of a computer’s memory (RAM) at a specific moment in time. This snapshot can include various elements, ranging from currently running processes to user credentials and even the contents of open files. The practice is critical for several reasons:

Security Analysis

In the realm of cybersecurity, memory dumps have become an essential tool. Here’s how they contribute:

• Uncovering Malware Behavior: Memory dumps allow security professionals to see what is happening inside the system’s memory, including hidden or obfuscated malware activities. By analyzing these dumps, one can reveal the behavior of malicious code, tracking its origin, and how it interacts with the system.

• Detecting Hidden Processes: Sophisticated malware often hides from standard detection methods. Memory analysis helps in uncovering these hidden processes, providing a more transparent view of unauthorized activities.

• Injected Code Analysis: Attackers may inject malicious code into legitimate processes to conceal their actions. A memory dump helps in identifying these code injections, leading to better understanding and mitigation of such threats.

• User Credential Analysis: Sometimes, credentials might be stored in memory. A memory dump could reveal these details, helping in understanding potential security breaches or vulnerabilities.

Forensic Analysis

Digital forensic analysts often use memory dumps to investigate suspicious or malicious activities:

• Timeline Analysis: Memory dumps can provide a chronological view of the activities that transpired on the device, aiding in reconstructing events leading up to an incident.

• Data Recovery: Even if data is deleted or encrypted, remnants might still exist in the system’s memory. Analyzing memory dumps may allow the recovery of this vital information.

• Artifact Analysis: Various artifacts related to user activities, system interactions, and file usage can be extracted and analyzed from memory dumps, painting a comprehensive picture of user behavior.

Legal Evidence

In the context of legal proceedings, memory dumps might provide crucial evidence:

• Computer Usage: Evidence regarding the usage of specific applications or accessing specific files or websites can be derived from a memory dump.

• Unauthorized Access: In cases of hacking or unauthorized access, memory dumps may hold evidence of the intrusion, including the tools used and the data targeted.

• Intellectual Property Theft: If there is a suspicion of intellectual property theft, memory dumps can reveal whether sensitive documents were accessed, modified, or transferred.

Follow the steps below to make and download a memory dump:

1) Press the “Make and Download Memory Dump” Button

Press the button labeled “Make and Download Memory Dump” to initiate the process.

Fig. 102 Press “Make and Download Memory Dump” button

2) Save the Memory Dump on the Default ForensicVM Image Case Path

Choose the default forensicVM image case path to save the memory dump.

Fig. 103 Save the memory dump

3) Monitor Memory Download Progress with Time Estimation

Keep track of the download progress, including an estimated time remaining for the download to complete.

Fig. 104 Memory Download progress

4) Success Message Stating that the Memory was Saved as “memory.dump”

A success message will appear, stating that the memory was saved as “memory.dump.” The explorer will automatically open afterward.

Fig. 105 Success message

5) Windows Explorer Open on the Memory Dump Folder

The Windows explorer will open automatically, displaying the folder containing the memory dump.

Fig. 106 Windows explorer open on the memory dump folder

Importing and Analyzing a Memory Dump in Autopsy

Analyzing a memory dump can provide critical insights into the state of a system at a particular point in time. Memory dumps may contain valuable information that helps investigators understand what processes were running, what files were open, and even what keys were being pressed.

Autopsy enables an investigator to examine memory dumps by following a series of steps to import and analyze the data. Here’s an expanded walkthrough:

1. Locate the Memory Dump File Begin by identifying the file you wish to analyze. This could be a file that you have obtained from a machine you are investigating. Make sure to have the file accessible and note its location on your system.

2. Prepare Autopsy for Importing the Memory Dump Launch Autopsy and create a new case or open an existing one where you want the memory dump to be analyzed. The case structure in Autopsy helps in organizing different data sources and findings related to an investigation.

3. Add the Memory Dump as a Data Source Inside your case, look for an option to add a new data source. This is usually achieved by clicking on the “Add Data Source” button. You’ll be guided through a series of prompts to configure the import.

4. Choose the Host and Data Source Type You’ll need to select a host, which typically refers to the system from which the memory dump was obtained. Then, choose “Memory Image File (Volatility)” as the Data Source Type, a common format for memory dumps.

5. Navigate to the Memory Dump File Click the “Browse” button and use the file dialog to locate the memory dump file on your system. You may need to paste the exact path if you have copied it earlier.

6. Configure the Analysis Settings This involves setting the timezone, memory profile (which should correspond to the OS of the dumped system), and selecting or deselecting specific plugins. Plugins in Autopsy extend its functionality and can be used to run specific analyses on the data.

7. Ingest the Memory Dump After confirming your settings, Autopsy will begin the process of ingesting the memory dump. This might take a significant amount of time, depending on the size of the dump and the capabilities of your system.

8. Review the Results and Check for Errors Upon completion, review the log to check for any errors or warnings. This is a vital step to ensure that the data was imported correctly and that all selected analyses were performed successfully.

9. Analyze the Memory Dump Finally, you can start analyzing the memory dump. Autopsy provides various tools and views to help you explore the data. You can browse through processes, network connections, registry keys, and more. Look for anomalies or signs of malicious activity.

10. Tag and Document Findings As you proceed with your analysis, make sure to tag any interesting findings. Autopsy provides features to annotate and comment on your discoveries, making it easier to reference them later or include them in your final report.

1) Copy the Path of the Memory Dump from Windows Explorer

Start by locating the memory dump file on your system. Open Windows Explorer, navigate to the directory containing the memory dump, right-click on the path, and select “Copy” This action will copy the path’s location to your clipboard, allowing you to easily paste it later in the Autopsy software.

Fig. 107 Copy the path of the memory dump

2) Press the “Add Data Source” Button on the Autopsy Software

Open Autopsy and initiate the process of adding a new data source by pressing the “Add Data Source” button. This button typically resides in the main toolbar.

Fig. 108 Press “Add Data Source”

3) Select the Host to Where the Memory Dump Should be Made and Press Next

You will be prompted to select a host, which is the computer or device where the memory dump will be analyzed. Choose the appropriate host from the list provided, and then press “Next” to continue.

Fig. 109 Select the host

4) Select as Data Source Type the “Memory Image File (Volatility)” and Press Next

In this step, you will specify the type of data you are importing. Select “Memory Image File (Volatility)” from the list of data source types, as this is the appropriate option for memory dumps. Once selected, click “Next.”

Fig. 110 Select Memory Image File (Volatility)

5) Click the “Browse” Button to Select the Path Where the Memory Dump Is

A file browser window will appear. Click the “Browse” button, navigate to the location where the memory dump is stored, and select the file. If you copied the path earlier, you could paste it into the file path field to quickly locate the file.

Fig. 111 Click “Browse” button

6) Paste the “memory.dump” Path, Select the memory.dump File, and Press Open

Once you have located the “memory.dump” file, select it by clicking on it, then press the “Open” button to confirm your selection.

Fig. 112 Paste and select the memory.dump file

7) Configure Timezone, Memory Profile, and Plugins to Run. Press Next

You will now be asked to configure several settings specific to your analysis. Set the appropriate timezone to match the original system’s time setting. Choose the correct memory profile, which should match the operating system of the analyzed machine. Optionally, select any plugins you want to run during the analysis. Click “Next” to proceed.

Fig. 113 Configure settings

8) Deselect All Plugins and Press Next

Deselect all plugins in this step. Then, press “Next.”

Fig. 114 Deselect plugins

9) Wait Until the Memory Ingest Module is Finished

This step may take some time, as Autopsy processes the memory dump. Depending on the size of the file and your computer’s capabilities, this could take several minutes or even hours. A progress bar or other indicator may be available to monitor the process. Please be patient.

Fig. 115 Ingesting memory

10) Check for Errors and Press “Finish”

Upon completion, a dialog will appear, summarizing the process and any issues encountered. Press the “View Log” button to inspect any errors or warnings in detail. Finally, press the “Finish” button to conclude the process and close the dialog.

Fig. 116 Press “Finish”

11) Locate the Memory Dump on the Interface and Browse the Results

With the import process complete, you can now find the imported memory dump within Autopsy’s interface. Browse through the results, and use Autopsy’s various tools to examine the data. Remember to tag any findings that may be of interest, as these can be critical to your investigation.

Fig. 117 Locate and browse the memory dump

Aditional Tools to analyse memory dumps

Analyzing memory dumps is a vital task in computer forensics, malware analysis, and system diagnostics. Several tools have been developed to support this task. Here’s an overview of some widely-used tools other than Autopsy for memory dump analysis:

1. Volatility: Volatility is an open-source memory forensics framework. Documentation.

2. Rekall: Rekall offers a set of features for memory forensics. Documentation.

3. WinDbg: Microsoft’s WinDbg for debugging Windows applications and analyzing memory dumps.

4. Magnet RAM Capture: Magnet RAM Capture is a free tool for capturing physical RAM.

5. FTK Imager: AccessData’s FTK Imager for capturing and analyzing memory dumps.

6. MoonSols DumpIt: MoonSols DumpIt for creating memory dumps from Windows systems.

7. Redline: Provided by FireEye, Redline offers advanced memory and file analysis capabilities.

8. GRR (Google Rapid Response): GRR an incident response framework that includes memory analysis capabilities. Documentation.

9. Belkasoft Evidence Center: Belkasoft Evidence Center includes the ability to analyze computer memory.

10. X-Ways Forensics: X-Ways Forensics a commercial product with strong memory analysis features.

These tools offer a wide range of capabilities, from capturing memory images to detailed analysis. Depending on the specific requirements of the analysis, an investigator might choose one or several of these tools.