IT Forensics · Linux

Forensic analysis of Elasticsearch/Log-Server artefacts – Forensic evaluation of the central logging infrastructure

Elasticsearch and similar log aggregation solutions are used for the centralised collection, indexing and analysis of large volumes of log data from various source systems within a corporate network.

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Such centralised log systems can be particularly valuable for the forensic reconstruction of an incident, as they consolidate data from various systems and are sometimes still available even when local logs on individual systems have already been rotated or tampered with.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We back up and analyse centralised log data from Elasticsearch or similar log-Server infrastructures and correlate this with other system artefacts to produce a consistent overall picture.

Typical areas of application

•Cross-system reconstruction of a security incident
•Verification of local log findings using central log data
•Detection of log tampering on individual source systems
•Analysing large volumes of log data using structured queries
•Incident Response on Linux Systems
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports

This is how an Elasticsearch/Log-Server analysis works

Once the relevant log data has been backed up, structured queries are created to extract entries relevant to the incident. The extracted data is then compared with local system artefacts to identify discrepancies or attempts at manipulation.

Why is the Elasticsearch/Log-Server analysis relevant from a forensic perspective?

Centralised logs are generally much more difficult for an attacker to tamper with retrospectively than local logs from individual systems, which is why they can serve as a particularly reliable source of evidence.

The cross-system consolidation of log data also enables events to be correlated across multiple systems, which is particularly important for reconstructing complex, multi-stage attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes centralised logs particularly valuable from a forensic perspective?+
Their generally higher resistance to tampering, as well as the ability to correlate events across multiple systems over time.
How can large volumes of log data be made manageable for forensic analysis?+
Through targeted, structured queries that narrow down relevant time periods and event types.
Can local logs that have already been deleted also be recovered using the Log-Server?+
Provided that the data in question was transmitted to the Log-Server prior to being deleted locally, yes.

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LanCologne – Linux Forensics Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „Forensic analysis of Elasticsearch/Log-Server artefacts"? LanCologne can assist you with the legally admissible preservation of digital evidence and the traceable analysis of relevant Linux artefacts.

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