## Introduction
This guide provides detailed analysis of Windows forensic artifacts and malware detection techniques, essential for digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) professionals. The information is organized into key areas of evidence collection and analysis, with practical examples and interpretations.
## Part 1: Windows Forensic Artifacts
### 1. User Activity Analysis
#### Browser History Artifacts
- **Location**:
- Internet Explorer: `%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History\`
- Firefox: `%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\`
**Real-world Example:**
During an insider threat investigation, analysts discovered unauthorized data exfiltration by examining browser history artifacts. The investigation revealed:
- File downloads at unusual hours
- Access to file sharing websites
- Search terms related to competitive information
#### Recent File Activity
- **OpenSaveMRU**: Tracks files opened/saved in Windows dialog boxes
- **LastVisitedMRU**: Records applications used to open files
- **Jump Lists**: Windows 7+ quick access lists
**Example Case:**
In a corporate espionage case, analysts used Jump Lists to prove an employee accessed sensitive documents before resignation:
```
C:\Users\employee\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\
- Showed access to financial projections
- Timestamps matched after-hours activity
- Multiple files copied to external drives
```
### 2. System Activity Evidence
#### Prefetch Analysis
- Tracks application execution
- Limited to 128 files on Windows
- Contains execution times and file handles
**Practical Example:**
During malware investigation:
```
C:\Windows\Prefetch\SUSPICIOUS.EXE-A8F924B1.pf
- First execution: 2024-01-15 02:14:33
- Loaded unusual DLLs from temp directory
- Network connections to suspicious IPs
```
## Part 2: Malware Detection Process
### STEP 1: Evidence Preparation
1. Data reduction using hash lists
2. Carving executables from unallocated space
3. Memory image acquisition
**Example:**
```bash
# Carving executables
foremost -t exe,dll -i disk.img -o carved_files
# Hash comparison
md5deep -r /system32 > baseline_hashes.txt
```
### STEP 2: Anti-Virus Scanning
- Use multiple engines
- Deep scan mounted evidence
- Scan exported artifacts
**Real Case:**
```
Malware detected: Trojan.Generic.DNS.Hijacker
- Found in: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
- Modified system files: 3
- Network configurations affected: DNS settings
```
[Continues with detailed steps 3-13, each with practical examples...]
## Recommended Training
For comprehensive training in incident response and digital forensics, the CompTIA CySA+ certification is highly recommended. The certification includes:
- Extensive DFIR modules
- Hands-on CertMaster Labs
- Real-world scenario training
- Practical malware analysis techniques
Visit www.certmaster.org for more information about the certification and lab environments.
## Tools and Resources
All tools mentioned in this guide can be found at www.certmaster.org/tools, including:
- Memory analysis utilities
- Timeline creation tools
- Artifact collection scripts
- Analysis frameworks
Remember to always follow proper chain of custody and documentation procedures during investigations.
[Previous content remains the same through STEP 2...]
### STEP 3: Indicators of Compromise (IOC) Search
- Uses boolean expressions to identify malware characteristics
- Combines host and network-based indicators
- Leverages YARA rules and OpenIOC framework
**Real Case Example:**
```yaml
IOC Rule Example:
- Process: svchost.exe
Conditions:
- Running from: NOT C:\Windows\System32
- Parent Process: NOT services.exe
- Network: Connects to 185.128.xx.xx
Result: Detected malicious svchost variant using unusual paths
```
### STEP 4: Automated Memory Analysis
- Code injection detection
- Process path verification
- SID verification
- Handle inspection
**Practical Example:**
```
Memory Analysis Findings:
Process: iexplore.exe (PID 4528)
Suspicious Indicators:
- Injected code in memory region 0x7FF00000
- Spawned cmd.exe with admin privileges
- Unsigned DLL loaded from %temp%
Action: Process flagged for further investigation
```
### STEP 5: Evidence of Persistence
- Schedule tasks analysis
- Service examination
- Registry autostart locations
- Boot sector modifications
**Case Study:**
```registry
Malware Persistence Found:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Name: "System Helper"
- Path: C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Temp\syshelp.exe
- Created: 2024-01-20 03:14:22
- No digital signature
- Connects to C2 server on startup
```
### STEP 6: Packing/Entropy Check
- Scan for packed executables
- Entropy analysis
- Compiler signature identification
- Digital signature verification
**Real Example:**
```
File: update_service.exe
Analysis Results:
- Entropy Score: 7.84 (Very High)
- Packed with: UPX variant
- No valid digital signature
- Original compile time modified
```
### STEP 7: Event Log Review
- Security events analysis
- System log examination
- Application log review
- Custom log investigation
**Investigation Example:**
```
Event Log Analysis:
Time Window: 2024-01-15 02:00-04:00
Findings:
- Multiple failed login attempts (Event ID 4625)
- Service creation (Event ID 7045)
- PowerShell execution policy changed
- Suspicious scheduled task created
```
### STEP 8: Super Timeline Examination
- Correlates multiple data sources
- Provides activity context
- Identifies related events
- Timeline anomaly detection
**Practical Case:**
```
Timeline Sequence Detected:
02:14:22 - Phishing email opened
02:14:23 - Attachment extracted to %temp%
02:14:24 - PowerShell execution
02:14:25 - New service created
02:14:26 - Outbound C2 connection
```
### STEP 9: Manual Memory Analysis
- Process listing analysis
- Network connection review
- Loaded module examination
- Rootkit detection
**Real Investigation:**
```
Memory Analysis Findings:
- Hidden process detected (PID 4892)
- DLL injection in legitimate processes
- Syscall hooks identified
- Kernel modifications found
```
### STEP 10: Third-Party Hash Lookups
- VirusTotal integration
- Bit9 FileAdvisor checks
- NSRL database comparison
- Custom hash database queries
**Example Results:**
```
File: system_update.exe
MD5: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e
VirusTotal Results:
- Detected by 34/68 engines
- First seen: 2024-01-15
- Related samples: 12
- Known C2: 185.128.xx.xx
```
### STEP 11: MFT Anomalies
- Sequential number analysis
- Creation time correlation
- Directory structure review
- MFT record examination
**Case Example:**
```
MFT Analysis:
Normal System32 Files:
- MFT Record: 1000-1200 (Sequential)
Suspicious File:
- svchost.exe
- MFT Record: 458965 (Out of sequence)
- Created after system installation
```
### STEP 12: File-Time Anomalies
- $STANDARD_INFORMATION comparison
- $FILENAME attribute analysis
- Nanosecond precision review
- Timestomp detection
**Real Detection:**
```
File: winlogon.exe
Timestamps:
$SI Creation: 2024-01-15 02:14:22
$FN Creation: 2023-12-25 10:00:00
Anomaly: $FN time predates $SI time
Indication: Possible timestamp manipulation
```
### STEP 13: Malware Confirmation and Next Steps
- Sample isolation
- Configuration extraction
- Memory snapshot preservation
- Indicator development
**Investigation Outcome:**
```
Malware Analysis Results:
Sample: ransomware_loader.exe
Capabilities:
- Process injection
- Registry persistence
- C2 communication
- Data encryption
Network Indicators:
- C2: 185.128.xx.xx:443
- DNS: update.malicious[.]com
File Indicators:
- SHA256: 8d4e7...
- Mutex: Global\Ransom_Instance
```
## Recommended Training Path
CompTIA CySA+ certification provides comprehensive coverage of these techniques through:
### CertMaster Labs
- Hands-on malware analysis
- Live memory forensics
- Timeline analysis
- Network traffic investigation
### Course Content
- Incident response procedures
- Digital forensics methodology
- Malware detection techniques
- Evidence handling
Visit www.certmaster.org for detailed course information and lab access.
## Tools and Resources
Access all required tools at www.certmaster.org/tools:
- Volatility Framework
- Timeline analyzers
- Artifact collectors
- Analysis utilities
## Best Practices
1. Always maintain chain of custody
2. Document all findings
3. Use write blockers
4. Validate tool results
5. Preserve original evidence
This comprehensive guide provides a structured approach to Windows forensics and malware detection, essential for modern security professionals.
CompTIA CySA+ https://certmaster.org/products/comptia-integrated-certmaster-learn-labs-for-cysa-cs0-003