IT Forensics · Linux
Forensic analysis of NFS shares – Forensic reconstruction of Network File System accesses
The Network File System, or NFS for short, is a protocol widely used on Unix and Linux systems for providing and sharing file systems over a network.
As NFS, in its classic configuration, uses a comparatively simple, host-based access control mechanism, the forensic examination of actual access permissions and access history is of particular importance.
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 analyse NFS-Server configurations and the available access protocols, and use this information to determine which systems accessed which shares and when.
Typical areas of application
This is how an NFS analysis works
Once the backup has been completed, NFS export configurations and available access protocols are recorded. The configured access permissions are checked for plausibility and cross-referenced against documented access records in order to identify unauthorised connections.
Why is NFS analysis relevant in a forensic context?
An insecurely configured NFS share can allow far-reaching, and in some cases unnoticed, access to sensitive data, which is why a forensic examination of the access configuration is a key step in the investigation.
As the level of detail in NFS logging varies depending on the version and configuration, the available level of logging detail is assessed transparently at the start of each investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
LanCologne – Linux Forensics Cologne
Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „forensic analysis of NFS shares"? LanCologne can assist you with the court-admissible preservation of digital evidence and the traceable analysis of relevant Linux artefacts.
Related to this topic
- Forensic analysis of Elasticsearch/Log-Server artefacts – Forensic evaluation of the central logging infrastructure
- Forensic analysis of network configuration under Linux – reconstructing interfaces and routing in a traceable manner
- Forensic analysis of iptables/nftables rules – checking firewall configuration and whether it has been tampered with
- Forensic reconstruction of network connections (ss/netstat) – Analysing active and historical connections