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The Unix-like Artifacts Collector (UAC) is a powerful live response collection script for Incident Response, automating artifact collection across AIX, ESXi, FreeBSD, Linux, macOS, NetBSD, NetScaler, OpenBSD, and Solaris systems.
🔗 UAC GitHub Repository: https://github.com/tclahr/uac
🔗 Linux Forensics Analysis with UAC: https://medium.com/@DFIRanjith/linux-forensics-analyzing-artifacts-from-unix-like-artifacts-collector-uac-a350f038f565
🔗 Defensive Security CheatSheet: https://www.defensive-security.com/storage/uploads/Advanced%20Linux%20Detection%20and%20Forensics%20Cheatsheet%20by%20Defensive%20Security.pdf
You Should Know:
1. Key Linux Forensic Artifacts Collected by UAC
UAC gathers critical forensic data, including:
- System Logs (
/var/log/) - User Activity (Bash history, SSH logs)
- Process Information (
ps aux,lsof) - Network Connections (
netstat -tulnp,ss -tuln) - File Timestamps (
stat, `find` with-mtime,-atime)
2. Analyzing UAC Output with Mactime
The `mactime` tool (from The Sleuth Kit) helps analyze file timestamps (MACB: Modified, Accessed, Changed, Birth).
Command Example:
mactime -b bodyfile.txt -d -y -m -z UTC
3. Extracting & Parsing Logs
- Auth Logs (SSH & Sudo Attempts):
grep "Failed password" /var/log/auth.log
- Bash History Analysis:
cat ~/.bash_history | grep -e "sudo" -e "ssh"
4. Detecting Malicious Processes
- List Open Files by Process:
lsof -i -n -P
- Check Hidden Processes:
ps -ef | grep -i "[net]"
5. Timeline Analysis with `find`
- Find Recently Modified Files (Last 7 Days):
find / -type f -mtime -7 -exec ls -la {} \;
6. Defensive Security CheatSheet Tips
- Check for Rootkits:
rkhunter --check
- Analyze Kernel Modules:
lsmod
What Undercode Say:
Linux forensics requires deep knowledge of system artifacts, and UAC simplifies collection. However, manual analysis with tools like mactime, lsof, and `find` is crucial. Always verify logs, check for unusual timestamps, and monitor unauthorized processes.
Expected Output:
A structured forensic report with:
- Timeline of file modifications
- Suspicious login attempts
- Unusual network connections
- Anomalous process activity
For advanced forensics, combine UAC with memory analysis (Volatility) and disk forensics (The Sleuth Kit).
End of Report.
References:
Reported By: Jeffersonsmacedo Forensicators – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅



