---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before we dive into today’s discussion
I want to let you know there’s already a comprehensive article available on extracting and examining Volume Shadow Copies for forensic analysis.
The tools used in that case are Symbolic Links and Shadow Explorer. You can check out the detailed guide here:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When it comes to forensic investigations, Volume Shadow Copy (VSC) analysis can be a game-changer. This technique allows investigators to access previous states of a file system, giving them the ability to uncover data that may have been deleted, overwritten, or altered. However, one unique aspect of VSC analysis is that it typically requires access to a complete disk image.
That’s where tools like KAPE (Kroll Artifact Parser and Extractor) come in, offering a flexible solution when creating a full disk image isn’t feasible.
Why Does VSC Analysis Need a Full Disk Image?
VSCs are essentially differential snapshots of a system, capturing only the changes made since the last snapshot. To rebuild a previous state of the volume, these snapshots need to be applied to the current state of the file system. This process explains why VSC analysis traditionally requires access to the entire volume or disk image—without it, you can’t reconstruct the full picture.
The Challenge of Limited Access
In many situations, acquiring a full disk image might not be practical. For example, the system might still be in active use, or there could be concerns about the time and storage needed for such a large acquisition.
This is where KAPE steps in as a powerful alternative.
How KAPE Simplifies VSC Analysis
KAPE is designed to collect forensic data quickly and efficiently, and it includes a feature specifically for handling VSCs. When the "Process VSCs" option is enabled, KAPE takes the following steps:
Identify and Mount VSCs: KAPE detects any existing Volume Shadow Copies on the system.
Collect Evidence from VSCs: It performs the same data collection tasks on each VSC that it does on the current file system.
Deduplication Saves Space (Deduplicate) : To optimize efficiency, KAPE compares files in the VSCs to those on the current file system. If a file hasn’t changed, it won’t be collected again, saving both time and storage space.
Results:
The data from each VSC is neatly organized into folders corresponding to the VSC names, such as VSS11, VSS12, and so on. This naming convention aligns with Windows' internal numbering for VSCs, which increments as new snapshots are created.
Once you Unzip the folder you collected and Mount it: Screenshot below How output will look like it
As stated earlier same data collection tasks on each VSC.
Output 1: C drive
Output 2: VSS 16
Advantages of KAPE for VSC Triage
Using KAPE for VSC analysis has several benefits:
Access to Historical Data: Even if older versions of files have been modified or deleted, KAPE ensures that you can still analyze them.
Flexible Triage Options: KAPE’s ability to process VSCs during triage collection means you don’t need a complete disk image to capture valuable historical data.
Time and Space Efficiency: The deduplication feature significantly reduces redundant data collection, making the process faster and less storage-intensive.
Consider the Trade-offs
Longer Processing Times: Collecting data from multiple VSCs adds to the overall processing time.
Larger Triage File Sizes: Even with deduplication, the additional data collected from VSCs will increase the size of your output files.
When to Use VSC Processing
If you’re unsure whether you’ll need older versions of a file system, it’s often better to on the side of caution and enable the "Process VSCs" option during triage. The ability to access historical snapshots of data can provide critical insights that might otherwise be missed.
Conclusion
Volume Shadow Copy analysis is a powerful tool in the forensic investigator’s arsenal, and KAPE makes it easier and more efficient than ever to access and analyze this data. By enabling the "Process VSCs" option, investigators can extract valuable historical data without the need for a full disk image, saving time and resources while uncovering key evidence. However, it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs and plan accordingly to get the most out of this feature.
Keep learning, exploring, and experimenting with different tools. They all offer unique benefits and can deepen your forensic capabilities. See you in the next article!
----------------------------------------------Dean-------------------------------------------------
Comments