Triage Using FireEye Redline
Triage Using FireEye Redline
FireEye Redline is a powerful endpoint forensic tool that streamlines data collection, triage, and analysis. It's particularly effective for rapid incident response, enabling analysts to gather critical data and identify potential Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).
Key Features of Redline
Endpoint Data Collection:
Captures memory processes, registry entries, and network connections.
Collects persistence mechanisms and disk artifacts.
IOC Search:
Scans collected data for known IOCs, such as suspicious file hashes or network connections.
Comprehensive Analysis:
Organizes data into categories, enabling efficient investigation and prioritization.
Using Redline for Triage
Step 1: Launch Redline
Run Redline as an administrator.
From the main menu, select Collect Data to configure a collection task.
Step 2: Choose Collector Type
Redline offers three primary collector options:
Standard Collector:
Collects essential data for basic endpoint triage.
Comprehensive Collector:
Gathers extensive data, including memory, disk artifacts, and detailed system information.
IOC Search Collector:
Focuses on searching for predefined IOCs during the collection process.
For general triage, select Standard Collector.
Step 3: Configure Collection Script
Target Platform: Select the platform, typically Windows.
Edit Your Script:
Customize what data to collect:
Memory: Acquire a memory dump (optional for faster triage).
Disk: Collect file system metadata and critical files.
System: Gather event logs, registry entries, and system configuration.
Network: Include browser histories, active connections, and network logs.
Other: Enable persistence checks and anomaly detection mechanisms.
Step 4: Set Collection Path
Choose a folder to save the collection script and collected data.
Click OK to finalize the script.
Step 5: Execute Collector Script
Navigate to the directory where the script was saved.
Run RunRedlineAudit.bat as an administrator.
The command prompt will display progress as Redline collects data.
Upon completion, a .mans file (Mandiant Analysis Session) will be generated.
Analyzing Collected Data
Step 1: Open the .mans File
Launch Redline.
Select Open an Existing Analysis Session and load the AnalysisSession1.mans file.
Step 2: Choose Investigation Type
Select I am investigating a host based on an external investigative lead.
This configuration helps guide Redline to focus on potential IOCs or suspicious behaviors.
Step 3: Analyze Data
Redline organizes collected data into categories, such as:
Processes:
View running processes, start times, and suspicious behaviors.
Services:
Analyze legitimate and potentially malicious services.
Network Connections:
Check active and historical connections.
Look for communication with known malicious IPs or domains.
Persistence Mechanisms:
Detect registry keys, scheduled tasks, or startup items used by malware.
Event Logs:
Review security and application logs for unusual activity.
Benefits of Redline
Comprehensive Data Collection:
Captures essential and detailed forensic artifacts for analysis.
Customizable Collectors:
Allows tailoring of data collection to specific needs or investigations.
Structured Triage:
Organizes data into clear categories, accelerating analysis.
Practical Use Case
Scenario: A SOC team detects anomalous outbound network traffic from a workstation.
Collector Configuration:
A Standard Collector is deployed to the workstation.
Data Analysis:
Redline reveals an unknown process (e.g.,
malware.exe) with suspicious network connections.Persistence analysis shows the process is launched via a startup registry key.
Outcome:
The compromised system is isolated.
The malware is identified and removed.
Incident responders use the findings to enhance defenses and prevent future attacks.
Key Points
FireEye Redline simplifies the triage process, offering rapid data collection and structured analysis for incident response. Its ability to customize collectors and efficiently parse forensic data makes it an indispensable tool for any incident responder.
For hands-on practice:
Create and run different collectors.
Explore Redline’s analysis features to familiarize yourself with its capabilities.
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