Memory Forensics #

• Thesis ID: 24-01
• Research Proposal: Memory Forensics in Recent Operating Systems - A Case Study on Windows 11
• Good to know
  • We developed a memory forensics framework (not open source yet)
  • We completed a master’s study in this topic
  • As we have interesting results, this topic is exciting for us

Abstract #

Memory forensics is an essential aspect of cybersecurity, particularly in the investigation of advanced threats and malware that reside in the volatile memory of computing systems. As operating systems evolve, new memory management techniques and features are introduced, potentially affecting the effectiveness and accuracy of memory forensics tools and methodologies. This research focuses on conducting an in-depth analysis of memory forensics in the latest operating systems, specifically Windows 11. The study aims to identify and address challenges posed by Windows 11’s memory management architecture, evaluate existing memory forensic tools, and develop improved methodologies for extracting and analyzing volatile memory data. Leveraging the resources available in our laboratory, including access to modern hardware and software environments, this research will contribute to the enhancement of memory forensics practices in the context of contemporary operating systems.

1. Introduction #

1.1 Background #

Memory forensics, or the analysis of a computer’s volatile memory (RAM) to extract digital artifacts, is a critical component of modern digital investigations. It allows cybersecurity professionals to detect and analyze malware, understand the behavior of adversaries, and recover evidence that may not be available on disk. With the release of Windows 11, significant changes in memory management, security features, and system architecture present new challenges and opportunities for memory forensics.

1.2 Problem Statement #

Windows 11 introduces several new features, such as improved virtualization-based security (VBS), memory integrity (Hypervisor-protected code integrity), and changes in memory allocation mechanisms. These changes may impact the ability of existing memory forensic tools to accurately capture and analyze memory data. This research seeks to identify the specific challenges posed by Windows 11 to memory forensics, evaluate the effectiveness of current tools, and develop enhanced techniques to address any identified gaps.

1.3 Objectives #

1. To analyze the impact of Windows 11’s new memory management and security features on memory forensics.
2. To evaluate the performance and accuracy of existing memory forensic tools when applied to Windows 11.
3. To develop and propose improved methodologies or tool modifications for effective memory forensics on Windows 11.
4. To contribute to the broader field of digital forensics by providing insights and practical solutions for investigators dealing with modern operating systems.

2. Literature Review #

2.1 Overview of Memory Forensics #

A review of the principles and methodologies of memory forensics, focusing on its importance in digital investigations and the common techniques used for memory acquisition and analysis.

2.2 Evolution of Memory Management in Windows Operating Systems #

An examination of the historical evolution of memory management in Windows, with a focus on how each iteration, from Windows XP to Windows 10, has introduced new challenges for forensic analysis.

2.3 New Features in Windows 11 Affecting Memory Forensics #

A detailed exploration of the new memory management and security features in Windows 11, including virtualization-based security (VBS), memory integrity, changes in paging, and memory allocation techniques. Analysis of how these features may interfere with traditional memory forensic methods.

2.4 Existing Memory Forensic Tools #

A review of the existing memory forensic tools such as Volatility, Rekall, and others, discussing their capabilities, strengths, and limitations in the context of previous Windows operating systems.

3. Research Methodology #

3.1 Phase 1: Preliminary Analysis and Setup #

1. System Setup: Setting up Windows 11 environments on physical and virtual machines in the lab.
2. Literature Review: Conducting an extensive review of existing research and documentation on memory forensics and Windows 11 architecture.

3.2 Phase 2: Analysis of Memory Management in Windows 11 #

1. Feature Analysis: Analyzing the specific memory management and security features introduced in Windows 11.
2. Impact Assessment: Assessing the impact of these features on the ability to capture and analyze memory data.

3.3 Phase 3: Tool Evaluation #

1. Tool Selection: Selecting a range of widely-used memory forensic tools, including open-source and commercial solutions.
2. Testing and Evaluation: Conducting tests to evaluate the performance, accuracy, and limitations of these tools when applied to Windows 11 memory dumps.
3. Comparison with Previous Versions: Comparing results with previous versions of Windows to identify specific challenges unique to Windows 11.

3.4 Phase 4: Methodology Development #

1. Challenge Identification: Identifying specific challenges and gaps in current methodologies based on the findings from the tool evaluation phase.
2. Methodology Design: Designing new or improved forensic methodologies tailored to address the challenges posed by Windows 11.
3. Tool Modification: If necessary, modifying existing tools or developing scripts to improve their effectiveness on Windows 11.

3.5 Phase 5: Validation and Testing #

1. Validation Testing: Testing the newly developed methodologies or modified tools in different Windows 11 environments to ensure reliability and effectiveness.
2. Scenario Analysis: Applying the methodologies to real-world scenarios or simulated cyber incidents to validate their practical applicability.

4. Expected Outcomes #

1. Comprehensive Analysis: A detailed analysis of how Windows 11’s memory management and security features affect memory forensics.
2. Evaluation Report: A report on the effectiveness of current memory forensic tools when applied to Windows 11, identifying specific strengths and limitations.
3. Improved Methodologies: Development of enhanced forensic methodologies or tool modifications that address the identified challenges, contributing to the broader field of digital forensics.
4. Academic Contributions: Publication of research findings in academic journals and presentations at relevant conferences to share insights with the cybersecurity community.

5. Timeline #

6. Conclusion #

This research aims to advance the field of memory forensics by addressing the challenges introduced by the latest Windows 11 operating system. Through a comprehensive analysis of memory management features, evaluation of existing forensic tools, and development of improved methodologies, this study will contribute valuable insights and practical solutions for digital forensic practitioners dealing with modern operating systems.

7. References #

1. Existing literature on memory forensics and its application in digital investigations.
2. Technical documentation and white papers on Windows 11’s memory management and security features.
3. Research papers and studies evaluating memory forensic tools on previous versions of Windows.