Hindsight Framework
Streamlined Browser Forensics
The Hindsight Framework is a powerful tool designed to automate the extraction and analysis of browser artifacts. It provides forensic analysts with comprehensive insights into user activity across multiple Chromium-based browsers, such as Google Chrome and Brave. By automating the parsing process, Hindsight accelerates investigations while ensuring depth and accuracy.
Key Features of Hindsight
1. Automatic Parsing
Hindsight automates the parsing of key browser artifacts, including:
History: Tracks URLs and timestamps.
Cookies: Captures session and tracking data.
Downloads: Lists downloaded files with metadata.
Favicons: Associates visited sites with their icons.
Autofill Data: Retrieves saved form entries (e.g., emails, addresses).
Extensions: Analyzes installed extensions for potential risks.
Site Characteristics: Recovers traces of deleted history by matching stored hashes.
2. Cross-Browser Support
Supported Browsers:
Google Chrome
Brave
Future Development: Ongoing enhancements to include support for additional browsers.
3. Flexible Output
Hindsight offers various export options for sharing and further analysis:
Excel Sheets
JSON
SQLite Databases
Built-in SQLite query engine for in-depth exploration of parsed data.
How to Use Hindsight
Step 1: Launch the Tool
Open the Hindsight binary.
Access the interface via your web browser at http://localhost:8080.
Step 2: Configure Input
Select Browser Type: Choose the target browser (e.g., Chrome).
Set Profile Path:
Default Path for Live Analysis:
Custom Path: Import disk images or external data for offline analysis.
Step 3: Plugin Selection
Choose specific plugins based on investigation goals.
Recommendation: Enable All Plugins for comprehensive analysis.
Step 4: Run Analysis
Click Run to start parsing.
Navigate to the Results Page for detailed output.
Key Insights and Tables
1. Installed Extensions
Details:
Extension Name
Installation Date
Permissions
Forensic Value: Helps identify potentially malicious extensions or tools used for data exfiltration.
Example Output:
| Extension Name | Installation Date | Permissions |
|---|---|---|
AdBlock Plus | 2024-09-15 | Block Ads |
2. Storage Table
Details:
Autofill Entries
Saved Form Data
Cache Details
Example Output:
| Type | Data | Last Accessed |
|---|---|---|
Autofill | user@example.com | 2024-11-12 08:15 AM |
Cache | Cached image from site X | 2024-11-12 07:55 AM |
3. Timeline Table
Aggregates all parsed artifacts into a chronological timeline.
Tracks user activity across:
History
Bookmarks
Top Sites
Deleted Items
Forensic Value:
Provides a unified view of user behavior over time, making it easier to reconstruct events leading up to a security incident.
Example Output:
| Timestamp | URL | Source |
|---|---|---|
2024-11-12 10:00 AM | https://letsdefend.io | History |
2024-11-12 09:45 AM | https://malicious-site.tld | Deleted Item |
Recovering Deleted Information
Site Characteristics Database
Hindsight can recover traces of deleted history using the Site Characteristics database:
Methodology: Compares MD5 hashes stored in the database with known URL origins.
Result: Matches reveal previously deleted URLs.
Example:
Deleted URL: https://letsdefend.io
Recovered Evidence: Matched via MD5 hash comparison.
Querying Data with Hindsight
Hindsight includes a built-in SQL query engine for flexible data exploration.
Example Queries
Simple Query: Display the first 30 URLs from the timeline table.
Advanced Query: Show frequently visited URLs.
Key Points
The Hindsight Framework is an essential tool for forensic analysts, combining the power of automated artifact parsing with the flexibility of manual data querying. It accelerates the investigation process while maintaining accuracy, making it invaluable for uncovering user behavior, tracking malware origins, or investigating insider threats.
Incorporating Hindsight into forensic workflows ensures efficient and comprehensive browser analysis, complementing manual approaches for a robust investigation strategy.
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