Threat Intelligence Lab

Acquiring Logs with KAPE

Step-by-Step Guide to Forensically Acquiring Logs with KAPE

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Written by

Reza Rafati
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ThreatIntelligenceLab.com

Forensic log acquisition is a crucial step in digital forensics and incident response. KAPE, developed by Kroll, is a powerful, lightweight tool designed for this purpose.

Let’s break down the process of using KAPE to acquire logs from laptops, desktops, and remote systems in a detailed, step-by-step manner.

Step 1: Preparing for KAPE Deployment

  1. Download KAPE: Visit the official Kroll website or GitHub repository to download the latest version of KAPE. Save it to a USB drive for portability.
  2. Understand Your Target System: Identify the system type (laptop/desktop) and its operating system. This knowledge will guide your target and module selection in KAPE.
  3. Ensure Administrative Access: You must have administrative access to the system for KAPE to function correctly. This access allows KAPE to collect system and application logs effectively.

Step 2: Booting Up and Running KAPE on a Laptop/Desktop

Using KAPE to Get Logs from a Laptop/Desktop:

  1. Insert USB Drive: Plug the USB drive containing KAPE into the laptop.
  2. Run as Administrator: Navigate to the tool directory on your USB drive and launch the tool by right-clicking on the executable file (kape.exe) and selecting “Run as Administrator“.
  3. Configure Targets: In the interface, you’ll find two main tabs: Targets and Modules. Under the Targets tab, select the specific logs or artifacts you wish to collect. KAPE provides a wide range of predefined targets, such as “BrowserHistory“, “WindowsEventLogs“, etc.
  4. Set Output Directory: Specify an output directory where we will save the collected logs. This can be on the same USB drive or a different secure location.
  5. Execute Collection: Click the “Execute” button to start the log collection process. Monitor the progress in the interface.
  6. Review Collected Logs: Once the process is complete, navigate to your specified output directory. Here, you’ll find the collected logs, ready for further analysis.

Step 3: Acquiring Logs from a Remote System

Collecting logs from a remote system involves an additional step of remotely accessing the system or having the tool run as part of a scripted deployment.

  1. Remote Access or Deployment Script: If you have remote access (e.g., through RDP or SSH), connect to the remote system. Alternatively, use a deployment script that includes running KAPE with predefined parameters.
  2. Copy to Remote System: Transfer the KAPE executable and configuration files to the remote system, ensuring they’re placed in an accessible directory.
  3. Run with Predefined Settings: Execute the tool with administrative privileges, either through a remote shell or automatically via your script. Make sure it’s execution parameters are set to collect the desired logs and output them to a location accessible for retrieval.
  4. Securely Transfer Collected Logs: Once the collection is complete, securely transfer the output logs back to your analysis machine. This might involve encrypted transfer methods or physically securing the storage medium if retrieved in person.

Final Step: Analysis and Reporting

With the logs collected from laptops, desktops, or remote systems, the final step involves detailed analysis. Use forensic analysis tools to sift through the logs, identify indicators of compromise, and compile your findings into a report.

This report should detail the logs collected, the methods used for analysis, and any recommendations for mitigating identified risks or vulnerabilities.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively use KAPE to acquire forensic logs, providing invaluable insights for cybersecurity investigations and responses.

Written by

Reza Rafati
Reza Rafati is an experienced cyber security professional. He is the founder of Threat Intelligence Lab. He has extensive experience in the field of cyber threat intelligence, cyber takedowns, and cyber threat landscapes.