"Unlocking the Secrets of RAM: Navigating the Depths of Data Reading and Retrieval"

"Unlocking the Secrets of RAM: Navigating the Depths of Data Reading and Retrieval"

What is RAM?

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that is used to store data that is actively being used or processed by a computer system. Unlike storage devices such as hard drives or SSDs, which store data persistently even when the power is turned off, RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off.

How can we read what data is stored in their RAM?

There are various ways to read RAM data each has its own use . The method that I will be using is that we will dump the whole ram data on disk and then we will read ram read data from it. I will show this in a Linux-based Operating System.

There are the following steps to read ram data:-

1.Install kernel headers to do  RAM  acquisition

What is kernel and why we use it?

The kernel is a crucial component of an operating system, providing essential services and serving as the bridge between hardware and software. It plays a central role in managing resources, ensuring security, and providing a consistent interface for applications to run on diverse hardware platforms.

 

root@localhost:~# yum install kernel-devel kernel- headers

 

Install git package

     root@localhost:~# yum install git          

What is LiME extractor and how it works ?

       LiME (Linux Memory Extractor) is a forensics tool designed to extract the contents of the physical memory (RAM) from a Linux system. This tool is particularly useful in digital forensics and incident response when an investigator needs to analyze the memory state of a running or suspended system.

Here's a brief overview of LiME and how it works:    

1. 1.Memory Extraction:

   • LiME is designed to capture the contents of the physical RAM on a Linux system.
   • It extracts data from the live system's memory space, including running processes, kernel data, and other information stored in RAM.
   • 
     

2. 2. Loadable Kernel Module:

   • LiME is implemented as a loadable kernel module. A kernel module is a piece of code that can be dynamically loaded and unloaded into the Linux kernel.
   • When loaded, the LiME module becomes part of the kernel and gains access to the system's memory.
   • 
     
   • 3.Stealthy Operation:
   • LiME is designed to operate with minimal impact on the target system to avoid detection.
   • It employs techniques to minimize interference with the normal functioning of the operating system.

   1. 4.User-Space Interface:

      • LiME provides a user-space tool (lime-forensic) that interacts with the kernel module to initiate the memory extraction process.
      • This tool allows investigators to control the extraction parameters and specify where the extracted memory dump should be stored.
      • 
        

   2. 5.Memory Dump Format:

      • LiME generates memory dumps in a format compatible with popular forensic analysis tools, such as Volatility.
      • The memory dump can be saved to a file or transmitted over the network for remote analysis.

       Now the next step is to know about how lime dump memory to read data of ram :-

LiME (Linux Memory Extractor) is designed to dump the contents of the physical memory (RAM) from a Linux system. The process involves loading the LiME kernel module, which allows for the extraction of memory data. Here is an overview of how LiME works to dump memory:

1. Loading the LiME Kernel Module:

   • The first step is to load the LiME kernel module into the Linux kernel. This is often done using the insmod or modprobe command.
   • The LiME kernel module becomes part of the running kernel, allowing it to access and interact with the system's physical memory.
   • 
     

2. Configuring LiME Parameters:

   • Once the module is loaded, its behavior can be configured using parameters. These parameters include options such as the format of the memory dump, where to store it, and whether to include user-space memory.
   Configuration can be done using command-line options when loading the module or through a configuration file.

   1. Initiating Memory Dump:

      • The memory dump process is initiated by using the lime-forensic user-space tool. This tool communicates with the loaded LiME module in the kernel to trigger the memory extraction.
      • The user-space tool allows investigators to specify various options, including the output file for the memory dump.
      • 
        

   2. Dumping Memory Content:

      • LiME starts the process of reading the contents of physical memory. It traverses the memory space, including the kernel space and user space, collecting data.
      • The collected data is then formatted into a memory dump file.
      • 
        

   3. Saving the Memory Dump:

      • The generated memory dump file can be saved to a specified location, either on the local system or transmitted over the network for remote analysis.
      • The memory dump is typically saved in a format compatible with popular forensic analysis tools, such as Volatility.
      • 
        

   4. Analysis with Forensic Tools:

      • Once the memory dump is obtained, investigators can use forensic analysis tools to examine the contents of the captured memory.
      • Tools like Volatility can be employed to analyze running processes, network connections, and other system activities.

 Now we have to clone the GitHub repo of LiME 

 root@localhost:~# git clone https://github.com/504ensicsLabs/LiME.git

Now we can compile the source code of LiME

                 root@localhost:~# cd LiME/src 

 Using command ls we see the list of directories

                          root@localhost:~# yum install make

                      Install the package "make" 

“make” command will compile the source code and give us a loadable kernel object file

 root@localhost:~# make

                              Install Development tools

root@localhost:~# yum groupinstall “Development tools”

            Install elfultils-libelg-devel

      root@localhost:~# yum install elfutils-libelf-devel.    

 Again hit make keyword

 root@localhost:~# make

See all the list of files once again

Now from the ram data let's see if x = 5 is stored in RAM using the command

root@localhost:~# cat ramdata.mem | strings | grep "x=5"

Thus, whatever we can read what we write in the RAM, and it is proved that the data is stored in the ram.

I hope this article was useful to you. Stay tuned!.

 

                                                 HAPPY LEARNING!!!