acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd
Create forensically sound bit-for-bit disk images with dd or dcfldd on a Linux forensic workstation, preserving evidence integrity through hash verification (MD5/SHA) during acquisition. Use when imaging a suspect drive, USB device, or memory card for investigation, preserving volatile disk evidence during incident response, or producing a verified copy for legal or law-enforcement proceedings before any destructive analysis.
一键装到本地 agent
和 SkillsMP 一样,先看源码再安装。Grok 用分享链接;Claude / Cursor / Codex 下载 zip 解到技能目录。
META
AI 怎么用
- 复制上面的 AI URL
- 粘贴到 Claude / ChatGPT / Grok / Cursor
- 再说你要做什么,AI 会先读 skill 再动手
SKILL.MD
AGENT READABLEname: acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd
description: Create forensically sound bit-for-bit disk images with dd or dcfldd on a Linux forensic workstation, preserving evidence integrity through hash verification (MD5/SHA) during acquisition. Use when imaging a suspect drive, USB device, or memory card for investigation, preserving volatile disk evidence during incident response, or producing a verified copy for legal or law-enforcement proceedings before any destructive analysis.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: digital-forensics
tags:
- forensics
- disk-imaging
- evidence-acquisition
- dd
- dcfldd
- hash-verification
version: '1.0'
author: mahipal
license: Apache-2.0
nist_csf:
- RS.AN-03
- DE.AE-02
- RS.MA-01
mitre_attack:
- T1006
- T1005
- T1025
- T1074.001
Acquiring Disk Image with dd and dcfldd
When to Use
- When you need to create a forensic copy of a suspect drive for investigation
- During incident response when preserving volatile disk evidence before analysis
- When law enforcement or legal proceedings require a verified bit-for-bit copy
- Before performing any destructive analysis on a storage device
- When acquiring images from physical drives, USB devices, or memory cards
Prerequisites
- Linux-based forensic workstation (SIFT, Kali, or any Linux distro)
dd(pre-installed on all Linux systems) ordcfldd(enhanced forensic version)- Write-blocker hardware or software write-blocking configured
- Destination drive with sufficient storage (larger than source)
- Root/sudo privileges on the forensic workstation
- SHA-256 or MD5 hashing utilities (
sha256sum,md5sum)
Workflow
Step 1: Identify the Target Device and Enable Write Protection
# List all connected block devices to identify the target
lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT,MODEL
# Verify the device details
fdisk -l /dev/sdb
# Enable software write-blocking (if no hardware blocker)
blockdev --setro /dev/sdb
# Verify read-only status
blockdev --getro /dev/sdb
# Output: 1 (means read-only is enabled)
# Alternatively, use udev rules for persistent write-blocking
echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="block", ATTRS{serial}=="WD-WCAV5H861234", ATTR{ro}="1"' > /etc/udev/rules.d/99-writeblock.rules
udevadm control --reload-rules
Step 2: Prepare the Destination and Document the Source
# Create case directory structure
mkdir -p /cases/case-2024-001/{images,hashes,logs,notes}
# Document source drive information
hdparm -I /dev/sdb > /cases/case-2024-001/notes/source_drive_info.txt
# Record the serial number and model
smartctl -i /dev/sdb >> /cases/case-2024-001/notes/source_drive_info.txt
# Pre-hash the source device
sha256sum /dev/sdb | tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_before.txt
Step 3: Acquire the Image Using dd
# Basic dd acquisition with progress and error handling
dd if=/dev/sdb of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
bs=4096 \
conv=noerror,sync \
status=progress 2>&1 | tee /cases/case-2024-001/logs/dd_acquisition.log
# For compressed images to save space
dd if=/dev/sdb bs=4096 conv=noerror,sync status=progress | \
gzip -c > /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd.gz
# Using dd with a specific count for partial acquisition
dd if=/dev/sdb of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/first_1gb.dd \
bs=1M count=1024 status=progress
Step 4: Acquire Using dcfldd (Preferred Forensic Method)
# Install dcfldd if not present
apt-get install dcfldd
# Acquire image with built-in hashing and split output
dcfldd if=/dev/sdb \
of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
hash=sha256,md5 \
hashwindow=1G \
hashlog=/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/acquisition_hashes.txt \
bs=4096 \
conv=noerror,sync \
errlog=/cases/case-2024-001/logs/dcfldd_errors.log
# Split large images into manageable segments
dcfldd if=/dev/sdb \
of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
hash=sha256 \
hashlog=/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/split_hashes.txt \
bs=4096 \
split=2G \
splitformat=aa
# Acquire with verification pass
dcfldd if=/dev/sdb \
of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
hash=sha256 \
hashlog=/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/verification.txt \
vf=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
verifylog=/cases/case-2024-001/logs/verify.log
Step 5: Verify Image Integrity
# Hash the acquired image
sha256sum /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd | \
tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/image_hash.txt
# Compare source and image hashes
diff <(sha256sum /dev/sdb | awk '{print $1}') \
<(sha256sum /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd | awk '{print $1}')
# If using split images, verify each segment
sha256sum /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd.* | \
tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/split_image_hashes.txt
# Re-hash source to confirm no changes occurred
sha256sum /dev/sdb | tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_after.txt
diff /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_before.txt \
/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_after.txt
Step 6: Document the Acquisition Process
# Generate acquisition report
cat << 'EOF' > /cases/case-2024-001/notes/acquisition_report.txt
DISK IMAGE ACQUISITION REPORT
==============================
Case Number: 2024-001
Date/Time: $(date -u +"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S UTC")
Examiner: [Name]
Source Device: /dev/sdb
Model: [from hdparm output]
Serial: [from hdparm output]
Size: [from fdisk output]
Acquisition Tool: dcfldd v1.9.1
Block Size: 4096
Write Blocker: [Hardware/Software model]
Image File: evidence.dd
Image Hash (SHA-256): [from hash file]
Source Hash (SHA-256): [from hash file]
Hash Match: YES/NO
Errors During Acquisition: [from error log]
EOF
# Compress logs for archival
tar -czf /cases/case-2024-001/acquisition_package.tar.gz \
/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/ \
/cases/case-2024-001/logs/ \
/cases/case-2024-001/notes/
Key Concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Bit-for-bit copy | Exact replica of source including unallocated space and slack space |
| Write blocker | Hardware or software mechanism preventing writes to evidence media |
| Hash verification | Cryptographic hash comparing source and image to prove integrity |
| Block size (bs) | Transfer chunk size affecting speed; 4096 or 64K typical for forensics |
| conv=noerror,sync | Continue on read errors and pad with zeros to maintain offset alignment |
| Chain of custody | Documented trail proving evidence has not been tampered with |
| Split imaging | Breaking large images into smaller files for storage and transport |
| Raw/dd format | Bit-for-bit image format without metadata container overhead |
Tools & Systems
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| dd | Standard Unix disk duplication utility for raw imaging |
| dcfldd | DoD Computer Forensics Laboratory enhanced version of dd with hashing |
| dc3dd | Another forensic dd variant from the DoD Cyber Crime Center |
| sha256sum | SHA-256 hash calculation for integrity verification |
| blockdev | Linux command to set block device read-only mode |
| hdparm | Drive identification and parameter reporting |
| smartctl | S.M.A.R.T. data retrieval for drive health and identification |
| lsblk | Block device enumeration and identification |
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Acquiring a Suspect Laptop Hard Drive
Connect the drive via a Tableau T35u hardware write-blocker, identify as /dev/sdb, use dcfldd with SHA-256 hashing, split into 4GB segments for DVD archival, verify hashes match, document in case notes.
Scenario 2: Imaging a USB Flash Drive from a Compromised Workstation
Use software write-blocking with blockdev --setro, acquire with dcfldd including MD5 and SHA-256 dual hashing, image is small enough for single file, verify and store on encrypted case drive.
Scenario 3: Remote Acquisition Over Network
Use dd piped through netcat or ssh for remote acquisition: ssh root@remote "dd if=/dev/sda bs=4096" | dd of=remote_image.dd bs=4096, hash both ends independently to verify transfer integrity.
Scenario 4: Acquiring from a Failing Drive
Use ddrescue first to recover readable sectors, then use dd with conv=noerror,sync to fill gaps with zeros, document which sectors were unreadable in the error log.
Output Format
Acquisition Summary:
Source: /dev/sdb (500GB Western Digital WD5000AAKX)
Destination: /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd
Tool: dcfldd 1.9.1
Block Size: 4096 bytes
Duration: 2h 15m 32s
Bytes Copied: 500,107,862,016
Errors: 0 bad sectors
Source SHA-256: a3f2b8c9d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5d6e7f8a9b0c1d2e3f4a5b6c7d8e9f0a1
Image SHA-256: a3f2b8c9d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5d6e7f8a9b0c1d2e3f4a5b6c7d8e9f0a1
Verification: PASSED - Hashes match
FULL BUNDLE (4 files)
# Agent Skill Package: acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd
You are loading a published Agent Skill. Follow SKILL.md exactly.
Supporting files from the original zip are inlined below.
When SKILL.md says to read `references/...` or `scripts/...`, use the matching FILE section here — do not say the file is missing.
Canonical URL: https://skill.hk/s/acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd.md
Human page: https://skill.hk/s/acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd
Files (4):
- SKILL.md
- LICENSE
- references/api-reference.md
- scripts/agent.py
========================================================================
FILE: SKILL.md
========================================================================
---
name: acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd
description: Create forensically sound bit-for-bit disk images with dd or dcfldd on a Linux forensic workstation, preserving evidence integrity through hash verification (MD5/SHA) during acquisition. Use when imaging a suspect drive, USB device, or memory card for investigation, preserving volatile disk evidence during incident response, or producing a verified copy for legal or law-enforcement proceedings before any destructive analysis.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: digital-forensics
tags:
- forensics
- disk-imaging
- evidence-acquisition
- dd
- dcfldd
- hash-verification
version: '1.0'
author: mahipal
license: Apache-2.0
nist_csf:
- RS.AN-03
- DE.AE-02
- RS.MA-01
mitre_attack:
- T1006
- T1005
- T1025
- T1074.001
---
# Acquiring Disk Image with dd and dcfldd
## When to Use
- When you need to create a forensic copy of a suspect drive for investigation
- During incident response when preserving volatile disk evidence before analysis
- When law enforcement or legal proceedings require a verified bit-for-bit copy
- Before performing any destructive analysis on a storage device
- When acquiring images from physical drives, USB devices, or memory cards
## Prerequisites
- Linux-based forensic workstation (SIFT, Kali, or any Linux distro)
- `dd` (pre-installed on all Linux systems) or `dcfldd` (enhanced forensic version)
- Write-blocker hardware or software write-blocking configured
- Destination drive with sufficient storage (larger than source)
- Root/sudo privileges on the forensic workstation
- SHA-256 or MD5 hashing utilities (`sha256sum`, `md5sum`)
## Workflow
### Step 1: Identify the Target Device and Enable Write Protection
```bash
# List all connected block devices to identify the target
lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT,MODEL
# Verify the device details
fdisk -l /dev/sdb
# Enable software write-blocking (if no hardware blocker)
blockdev --setro /dev/sdb
# Verify read-only status
blockdev --getro /dev/sdb
# Output: 1 (means read-only is enabled)
# Alternatively, use udev rules for persistent write-blocking
echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="block", ATTRS{serial}=="WD-WCAV5H861234", ATTR{ro}="1"' > /etc/udev/rules.d/99-writeblock.rules
udevadm control --reload-rules
```
### Step 2: Prepare the Destination and Document the Source
```bash
# Create case directory structure
mkdir -p /cases/case-2024-001/{images,hashes,logs,notes}
# Document source drive information
hdparm -I /dev/sdb > /cases/case-2024-001/notes/source_drive_info.txt
# Record the serial number and model
smartctl -i /dev/sdb >> /cases/case-2024-001/notes/source_drive_info.txt
# Pre-hash the source device
sha256sum /dev/sdb | tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_before.txt
```
### Step 3: Acquire the Image Using dd
```bash
# Basic dd acquisition with progress and error handling
dd if=/dev/sdb of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
bs=4096 \
conv=noerror,sync \
status=progress 2>&1 | tee /cases/case-2024-001/logs/dd_acquisition.log
# For compressed images to save space
dd if=/dev/sdb bs=4096 conv=noerror,sync status=progress | \
gzip -c > /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd.gz
# Using dd with a specific count for partial acquisition
dd if=/dev/sdb of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/first_1gb.dd \
bs=1M count=1024 status=progress
```
### Step 4: Acquire Using dcfldd (Preferred Forensic Method)
```bash
# Install dcfldd if not present
apt-get install dcfldd
# Acquire image with built-in hashing and split output
dcfldd if=/dev/sdb \
of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
hash=sha256,md5 \
hashwindow=1G \
hashlog=/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/acquisition_hashes.txt \
bs=4096 \
conv=noerror,sync \
errlog=/cases/case-2024-001/logs/dcfldd_errors.log
# Split large images into manageable segments
dcfldd if=/dev/sdb \
of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
hash=sha256 \
hashlog=/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/split_hashes.txt \
bs=4096 \
split=2G \
splitformat=aa
# Acquire with verification pass
dcfldd if=/dev/sdb \
of=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
hash=sha256 \
hashlog=/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/verification.txt \
vf=/cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd \
verifylog=/cases/case-2024-001/logs/verify.log
```
### Step 5: Verify Image Integrity
```bash
# Hash the acquired image
sha256sum /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd | \
tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/image_hash.txt
# Compare source and image hashes
diff <(sha256sum /dev/sdb | awk '{print $1}') \
<(sha256sum /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd | awk '{print $1}')
# If using split images, verify each segment
sha256sum /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd.* | \
tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/split_image_hashes.txt
# Re-hash source to confirm no changes occurred
sha256sum /dev/sdb | tee /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_after.txt
diff /cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_before.txt \
/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/source_hash_after.txt
```
### Step 6: Document the Acquisition Process
```bash
# Generate acquisition report
cat << 'EOF' > /cases/case-2024-001/notes/acquisition_report.txt
DISK IMAGE ACQUISITION REPORT
==============================
Case Number: 2024-001
Date/Time: $(date -u +"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S UTC")
Examiner: [Name]
Source Device: /dev/sdb
Model: [from hdparm output]
Serial: [from hdparm output]
Size: [from fdisk output]
Acquisition Tool: dcfldd v1.9.1
Block Size: 4096
Write Blocker: [Hardware/Software model]
Image File: evidence.dd
Image Hash (SHA-256): [from hash file]
Source Hash (SHA-256): [from hash file]
Hash Match: YES/NO
Errors During Acquisition: [from error log]
EOF
# Compress logs for archival
tar -czf /cases/case-2024-001/acquisition_package.tar.gz \
/cases/case-2024-001/hashes/ \
/cases/case-2024-001/logs/ \
/cases/case-2024-001/notes/
```
## Key Concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| Bit-for-bit copy | Exact replica of source including unallocated space and slack space |
| Write blocker | Hardware or software mechanism preventing writes to evidence media |
| Hash verification | Cryptographic hash comparing source and image to prove integrity |
| Block size (bs) | Transfer chunk size affecting speed; 4096 or 64K typical for forensics |
| conv=noerror,sync | Continue on read errors and pad with zeros to maintain offset alignment |
| Chain of custody | Documented trail proving evidence has not been tampered with |
| Split imaging | Breaking large images into smaller files for storage and transport |
| Raw/dd format | Bit-for-bit image format without metadata container overhead |
## Tools & Systems
| Tool | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| dd | Standard Unix disk duplication utility for raw imaging |
| dcfldd | DoD Computer Forensics Laboratory enhanced version of dd with hashing |
| dc3dd | Another forensic dd variant from the DoD Cyber Crime Center |
| sha256sum | SHA-256 hash calculation for integrity verification |
| blockdev | Linux command to set block device read-only mode |
| hdparm | Drive identification and parameter reporting |
| smartctl | S.M.A.R.T. data retrieval for drive health and identification |
| lsblk | Block device enumeration and identification |
## Common Scenarios
**Scenario 1: Acquiring a Suspect Laptop Hard Drive**
Connect the drive via a Tableau T35u hardware write-blocker, identify as `/dev/sdb`, use dcfldd with SHA-256 hashing, split into 4GB segments for DVD archival, verify hashes match, document in case notes.
**Scenario 2: Imaging a USB Flash Drive from a Compromised Workstation**
Use software write-blocking with `blockdev --setro`, acquire with dcfldd including MD5 and SHA-256 dual hashing, image is small enough for single file, verify and store on encrypted case drive.
**Scenario 3: Remote Acquisition Over Network**
Use dd piped through netcat or ssh for remote acquisition: `ssh root@remote "dd if=/dev/sda bs=4096" | dd of=remote_image.dd bs=4096`, hash both ends independently to verify transfer integrity.
**Scenario 4: Acquiring from a Failing Drive**
Use `ddrescue` first to recover readable sectors, then use dd with `conv=noerror,sync` to fill gaps with zeros, document which sectors were unreadable in the error log.
## Output Format
```
Acquisition Summary:
Source: /dev/sdb (500GB Western Digital WD5000AAKX)
Destination: /cases/case-2024-001/images/evidence.dd
Tool: dcfldd 1.9.1
Block Size: 4096 bytes
Duration: 2h 15m 32s
Bytes Copied: 500,107,862,016
Errors: 0 bad sectors
Source SHA-256: a3f2b8c9d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5d6e7f8a9b0c1d2e3f4a5b6c7d8e9f0a1
Image SHA-256: a3f2b8c9d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5d6e7f8a9b0c1d2e3f4a5b6c7d8e9f0a1
Verification: PASSED - Hashes match
```
========================================================================
FILE: LICENSE
========================================================================
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========================================================================
FILE: references/api-reference.md
========================================================================
# API Reference: dd and dcfldd Disk Imaging
## dd - Standard Unix Disk Duplication
### Basic Syntax
```bash
dd if=<source> of=<destination> [options]
```
### Key Options
| Flag | Description | Example |
|------|-------------|---------|
| `if=` | Input file (source device) | `if=/dev/sdb` |
| `of=` | Output file (destination image) | `of=evidence.dd` |
| `bs=` | Block size for read/write | `bs=4096` (forensic standard) |
| `count=` | Number of blocks to copy | `count=1024` |
| `skip=` | Skip N blocks from input start | `skip=2048` |
| `conv=` | Conversion options | `conv=noerror,sync` |
| `status=` | Transfer statistics level | `status=progress` |
### conv= Values
- `noerror` - Continue on read errors (do not abort)
- `sync` - Pad input blocks with zeros on error (preserves offset alignment)
- `notrunc` - Do not truncate output file
### Output Format
```
500107862016 bytes (500 GB, 466 GiB) copied, 8132.45 s, 61.5 MB/s
976773168+0 records in
976773168+0 records out
```
## dcfldd - DoD Forensic dd
### Basic Syntax
```bash
dcfldd if=<source> of=<destination> [options]
```
### Extended Options
| Flag | Description | Example |
|------|-------------|---------|
| `hash=` | Hash algorithm(s) | `hash=sha256,md5` |
| `hashlog=` | File for hash output | `hashlog=hashes.txt` |
| `hashwindow=` | Hash every N bytes | `hashwindow=1G` |
| `hashconv=` | Hash before or after conversion | `hashconv=after` |
| `errlog=` | Error log file | `errlog=errors.log` |
| `split=` | Split output into chunks | `split=2G` |
| `splitformat=` | Suffix format for split files | `splitformat=aa` |
| `vf=` | Verification file | `vf=evidence.dd` |
| `verifylog=` | Verification result log | `verifylog=verify.log` |
### Output Format
```
Total (sha256): a3f2b8c9d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5...
1024+0 records in
1024+0 records out
```
## sha256sum - Hash Verification
### Syntax
```bash
sha256sum <file_or_device>
sha256sum -c <checksum_file>
```
### Output Format
```
a3f2b8c9d4e5f6... /dev/sdb
a3f2b8c9d4e5f6... evidence.dd
```
## blockdev - Write Protection
### Syntax
```bash
blockdev --setro <device> # Set read-only
blockdev --setrw <device> # Set read-write
blockdev --getro <device> # Check: 1=RO, 0=RW
blockdev --getsize64 <device> # Size in bytes
```
## lsblk - Block Device Enumeration
### Syntax
```bash
lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT,MODEL,SERIAL,RO
lsblk -J # JSON output
lsblk -p # Full device paths
```
## hdparm - Drive Identification
### Syntax
```bash
hdparm -I <device> # Detailed drive info
hdparm -i <device> # Summary identification
```
========================================================================
FILE: scripts/agent.py
========================================================================
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""Forensic disk image acquisition agent using dd and dcfldd with hash verification."""
import shlex
import subprocess
import hashlib
import os
import datetime
import json
def run_cmd(cmd, capture=True):
"""Execute a command and return output."""
if isinstance(cmd, str):
cmd = shlex.split(cmd)
result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=capture, text=True, timeout=120)
return result.stdout.strip(), result.stderr.strip(), result.returncode
def list_block_devices():
"""Enumerate connected block devices."""
stdout, _, rc = run_cmd("lsblk -J -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT,MODEL,SERIAL,RO")
if rc == 0 and stdout:
return json.loads(stdout)
return {"blockdevices": []}
def check_write_protection(device):
"""Verify a device is set to read-only mode."""
stdout, _, rc = run_cmd(f"blockdev --getro {device}")
if rc == 0:
return stdout.strip() == "1"
return False
def enable_write_protection(device):
"""Enable software write-blocking on the target device."""
_, _, rc = run_cmd(f"blockdev --setro {device}")
if rc != 0:
print(f"[ERROR] Failed to set {device} read-only. Run as root.")
return False
if check_write_protection(device):
print(f"[OK] Write protection enabled on {device}")
return True
print(f"[ERROR] Write protection verification failed for {device}")
return False
def compute_hash(path, algorithm="sha256", block_size=65536):
"""Compute the SHA-256 or MD5 hash of a file or device."""
h = hashlib.new(algorithm)
try:
with open(path, "rb") as f:
while True:
block = f.read(block_size)
if not block:
break
h.update(block)
except PermissionError:
print(f"[ERROR] Permission denied reading {path}. Run as root.")
return None
except FileNotFoundError:
print(f"[ERROR] Path not found: {path}")
return None
return h.hexdigest()
def acquire_with_dd(source, destination, block_size=4096, log_file=None):
"""Acquire a forensic image using dd with error handling."""
dd_cmd = [
"dd", f"if={source}", f"of={destination}",
f"bs={block_size}", "conv=noerror,sync", "status=progress"
]
print(f"[*] Starting dd acquisition: {source} -> {destination}")
print(f"[*] Block size: {block_size}")
start = datetime.datetime.utcnow()
if log_file:
dd_proc = subprocess.run(dd_cmd, capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=120)
combined = (dd_proc.stdout or "") + (dd_proc.stderr or "")
with open(log_file, "w") as lf:
lf.write(combined)
rc = dd_proc.returncode
else:
result = subprocess.run(dd_cmd, text=True, timeout=120)
rc = result.returncode
elapsed = (datetime.datetime.utcnow() - start).total_seconds()
print(f"[*] Acquisition completed in {elapsed:.1f} seconds (rc={rc})")
return rc == 0
def acquire_with_dcfldd(source, destination, hash_alg="sha256", hash_log=None,
error_log=None, block_size=4096, split_size=None):
"""Acquire a forensic image using dcfldd with built-in hashing."""
cmd = [
"dcfldd", f"if={source}", f"of={destination}",
f"bs={block_size}", "conv=noerror,sync",
f"hash={hash_alg}", "hashwindow=1G",
]
if hash_log:
cmd.append(f"hashlog={hash_log}")
if error_log:
cmd.append(f"errlog={error_log}")
if split_size:
cmd.extend([f"split={split_size}", "splitformat=aa"])
print(f"[*] Starting dcfldd acquisition: {source} -> {destination}")
start = datetime.datetime.utcnow()
result = subprocess.run(cmd, text=True, timeout=120)
rc = result.returncode
elapsed = (datetime.datetime.utcnow() - start).total_seconds()
print(f"[*] dcfldd completed in {elapsed:.1f} seconds (rc={rc})")
return rc == 0
def verify_image(source, image_path, algorithm="sha256"):
"""Verify image integrity by comparing hashes of source and acquired image."""
print(f"[*] Computing {algorithm} hash of source: {source}")
source_hash = compute_hash(source, algorithm)
print(f" Source hash: {source_hash}")
print(f"[*] Computing {algorithm} hash of image: {image_path}")
image_hash = compute_hash(image_path, algorithm)
print(f" Image hash: {image_hash}")
if source_hash and image_hash:
match = source_hash == image_hash
status = "PASSED" if match else "FAILED"
print(f"[{'OK' if match else 'FAIL'}] Verification: {status}")
return match, source_hash, image_hash
return False, source_hash, image_hash
def generate_report(case_dir, source_device, image_path, tool_used,
source_hash, image_hash, verified, elapsed_seconds=0):
"""Generate a forensic acquisition report."""
report = {
"report_type": "Disk Image Acquisition",
"timestamp": datetime.datetime.utcnow().isoformat() + "Z",
"case_directory": case_dir,
"source_device": source_device,
"image_file": image_path,
"acquisition_tool": tool_used,
"block_size": 4096,
"source_hash_sha256": source_hash,
"image_hash_sha256": image_hash,
"hash_verified": verified,
"duration_seconds": elapsed_seconds,
}
report_path = os.path.join(case_dir, "acquisition_report.json")
with open(report_path, "w") as f:
json.dump(report, f, indent=2)
print(f"[*] Report saved to {report_path}")
return report
if __name__ == "__main__":
print("=" * 60)
print("Forensic Disk Image Acquisition Agent")
print("Tools: dd / dcfldd with SHA-256 verification")
print("=" * 60)
# Demo: list block devices
print("\n[*] Enumerating block devices...")
devices = list_block_devices()
for dev in devices.get("blockdevices", []):
name = dev.get("name", "?")
size = dev.get("size", "?")
dtype = dev.get("type", "?")
model = dev.get("model", "N/A")
ro = "RO" if dev.get("ro") else "RW"
print(f" /dev/{name} {size} {dtype} {model} [{ro}]")
# Demo workflow (dry run)
demo_source = "/dev/sdb"
demo_case = "/cases/demo-case/images"
demo_image = os.path.join(demo_case, "evidence.dd")
print(f"\n[DEMO] Acquisition workflow for {demo_source}:")
print(f" 1. Enable write protection: blockdev --setro {demo_source}")
print(f" 2. Acquire with dcfldd: dcfldd if={demo_source} of={demo_image} "
f"hash=sha256 hashwindow=1G bs=4096 conv=noerror,sync")
print(f" 3. Verify: compare SHA-256 of {demo_source} and {demo_image}")
print(f" 4. Generate acquisition report with chain-of-custody metadata")
print("\n[*] Agent ready. Provide a source device and case directory to begin.")
LICENSE
IN BUNDLE
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references/api-reference.md
IN BUNDLE# API Reference: dd and dcfldd Disk Imaging ## dd - Standard Unix Disk Duplication ### Basic Syntax ```bash dd if=<source> of=<destination> [options] ``` ### Key Options | Flag | Description | Example | |------|-------------|---------| | `if=` | Input file (source device) | `if=/dev/sdb` | | `of=` | Output file (destination image) | `of=evidence.dd` | | `bs=` | Block size for read/write | `bs=4096` (forensic standard) | | `count=` | Number of blocks to copy | `count=1024` | | `skip=` | Skip N blocks from input start | `skip=2048` | | `conv=` | Conversion options | `conv=noerror,sync` | | `status=` | Transfer statistics level | `status=progress` | ### conv= Values - `noerror` - Continue on read errors (do not abort) - `sync` - Pad input blocks with zeros on error (preserves offset alignment) - `notrunc` - Do not truncate output file ### Output Format ``` 500107862016 bytes (500 GB, 466 GiB) copied, 8132.45 s, 61.5 MB/s 976773168+0 records in 976773168+0 records out ``` ## dcfldd - DoD Forensic dd ### Basic Syntax ```bash dcfldd if=<source> of=<destination> [options] ``` ### Extended Options | Flag | Description | Example | |------|-------------|---------| | `hash=` | Hash algorithm(s) | `hash=sha256,md5` | | `hashlog=` | File for hash output | `hashlog=hashes.txt` | | `hashwindow=` | Hash every N bytes | `hashwindow=1G` | | `hashconv=` | Hash before or after conversion | `hashconv=after` | | `errlog=` | Error log file | `errlog=errors.log` | | `split=` | Split output into chunks | `split=2G` | | `splitformat=` | Suffix format for split files | `splitformat=aa` | | `vf=` | Verification file | `vf=evidence.dd` | | `verifylog=` | Verification result log | `verifylog=verify.log` | ### Output Format ``` Total (sha256): a3f2b8c9d4e5f6a7b8c9d0e1f2a3b4c5... 1024+0 records in 1024+0 records out ``` ## sha256sum - Hash Verification ### Syntax ```bash sha256sum <file_or_device> sha256sum -c <checksum_file> ``` ### Output Format ``` a3f2b8c9d4e5f6... /dev/sdb a3f2b8c9d4e5f6... evidence.dd ``` ## blockdev - Write Protection ### Syntax ```bash blockdev --setro <device> # Set read-only blockdev --setrw <device> # Set read-write blockdev --getro <device> # Check: 1=RO, 0=RW blockdev --getsize64 <device> # Size in bytes ``` ## lsblk - Block Device Enumeration ### Syntax ```bash lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT,MODEL,SERIAL,RO lsblk -J # JSON output lsblk -p # Full device paths ``` ## hdparm - Drive Identification ### Syntax ```bash hdparm -I <device> # Detailed drive info hdparm -i <device> # Summary identification ```
scripts/agent.py
IN BUNDLE#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""Forensic disk image acquisition agent using dd and dcfldd with hash verification."""
import shlex
import subprocess
import hashlib
import os
import datetime
import json
def run_cmd(cmd, capture=True):
"""Execute a command and return output."""
if isinstance(cmd, str):
cmd = shlex.split(cmd)
result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=capture, text=True, timeout=120)
return result.stdout.strip(), result.stderr.strip(), result.returncode
def list_block_devices():
"""Enumerate connected block devices."""
stdout, _, rc = run_cmd("lsblk -J -o NAME,SIZE,TYPE,MOUNTPOINT,MODEL,SERIAL,RO")
if rc == 0 and stdout:
return json.loads(stdout)
return {"blockdevices": []}
def check_write_protection(device):
"""Verify a device is set to read-only mode."""
stdout, _, rc = run_cmd(f"blockdev --getro {device}")
if rc == 0:
return stdout.strip() == "1"
return False
def enable_write_protection(device):
"""Enable software write-blocking on the target device."""
_, _, rc = run_cmd(f"blockdev --setro {device}")
if rc != 0:
print(f"[ERROR] Failed to set {device} read-only. Run as root.")
return False
if check_write_protection(device):
print(f"[OK] Write protection enabled on {device}")
return True
print(f"[ERROR] Write protection verification failed for {device}")
return False
def compute_hash(path, algorithm="sha256", block_size=65536):
"""Compute the SHA-256 or MD5 hash of a file or device."""
h = hashlib.new(algorithm)
try:
with open(path, "rb") as f:
while True:
block = f.read(block_size)
if not block:
break
h.update(block)
except PermissionError:
print(f"[ERROR] Permission denied reading {path}. Run as root.")
return None
except FileNotFoundError:
print(f"[ERROR] Path not found: {path}")
return None
return h.hexdigest()
def acquire_with_dd(source, destination, block_size=4096, log_file=None):
"""Acquire a forensic image using dd with error handling."""
dd_cmd = [
"dd", f"if={source}", f"of={destination}",
f"bs={block_size}", "conv=noerror,sync", "status=progress"
]
print(f"[*] Starting dd acquisition: {source} -> {destination}")
print(f"[*] Block size: {block_size}")
start = datetime.datetime.utcnow()
if log_file:
dd_proc = subprocess.run(dd_cmd, capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=120)
combined = (dd_proc.stdout or "") + (dd_proc.stderr or "")
with open(log_file, "w") as lf:
lf.write(combined)
rc = dd_proc.returncode
else:
result = subprocess.run(dd_cmd, text=True, timeout=120)
rc = result.returncode
elapsed = (datetime.datetime.utcnow() - start).total_seconds()
print(f"[*] Acquisition completed in {elapsed:.1f} seconds (rc={rc})")
return rc == 0
def acquire_with_dcfldd(source, destination, hash_alg="sha256", hash_log=None,
error_log=None, block_size=4096, split_size=None):
"""Acquire a forensic image using dcfldd with built-in hashing."""
cmd = [
"dcfldd", f"if={source}", f"of={destination}",
f"bs={block_size}", "conv=noerror,sync",
f"hash={hash_alg}", "hashwindow=1G",
]
if hash_log:
cmd.append(f"hashlog={hash_log}")
if error_log:
cmd.append(f"errlog={error_log}")
if split_size:
cmd.extend([f"split={split_size}", "splitformat=aa"])
print(f"[*] Starting dcfldd acquisition: {source} -> {destination}")
start = datetime.datetime.utcnow()
result = subprocess.run(cmd, text=True, timeout=120)
rc = result.returncode
elapsed = (datetime.datetime.utcnow() - start).total_seconds()
print(f"[*] dcfldd completed in {elapsed:.1f} seconds (rc={rc})")
return rc == 0
def verify_image(source, image_path, algorithm="sha256"):
"""Verify image integrity by comparing hashes of source and acquired image."""
print(f"[*] Computing {algorithm} hash of source: {source}")
source_hash = compute_hash(source, algorithm)
print(f" Source hash: {source_hash}")
print(f"[*] Computing {algorithm} hash of image: {image_path}")
image_hash = compute_hash(image_path, algorithm)
print(f" Image hash: {image_hash}")
if source_hash and image_hash:
match = source_hash == image_hash
status = "PASSED" if match else "FAILED"
print(f"[{'OK' if match else 'FAIL'}] Verification: {status}")
return match, source_hash, image_hash
return False, source_hash, image_hash
def generate_report(case_dir, source_device, image_path, tool_used,
source_hash, image_hash, verified, elapsed_seconds=0):
"""Generate a forensic acquisition report."""
report = {
"report_type": "Disk Image Acquisition",
"timestamp": datetime.datetime.utcnow().isoformat() + "Z",
"case_directory": case_dir,
"source_device": source_device,
"image_file": image_path,
"acquisition_tool": tool_used,
"block_size": 4096,
"source_hash_sha256": source_hash,
"image_hash_sha256": image_hash,
"hash_verified": verified,
"duration_seconds": elapsed_seconds,
}
report_path = os.path.join(case_dir, "acquisition_report.json")
with open(report_path, "w") as f:
json.dump(report, f, indent=2)
print(f"[*] Report saved to {report_path}")
return report
if __name__ == "__main__":
print("=" * 60)
print("Forensic Disk Image Acquisition Agent")
print("Tools: dd / dcfldd with SHA-256 verification")
print("=" * 60)
# Demo: list block devices
print("\n[*] Enumerating block devices...")
devices = list_block_devices()
for dev in devices.get("blockdevices", []):
name = dev.get("name", "?")
size = dev.get("size", "?")
dtype = dev.get("type", "?")
model = dev.get("model", "N/A")
ro = "RO" if dev.get("ro") else "RW"
print(f" /dev/{name} {size} {dtype} {model} [{ro}]")
# Demo workflow (dry run)
demo_source = "/dev/sdb"
demo_case = "/cases/demo-case/images"
demo_image = os.path.join(demo_case, "evidence.dd")
print(f"\n[DEMO] Acquisition workflow for {demo_source}:")
print(f" 1. Enable write protection: blockdev --setro {demo_source}")
print(f" 2. Acquire with dcfldd: dcfldd if={demo_source} of={demo_image} "
f"hash=sha256 hashwindow=1G bs=4096 conv=noerror,sync")
print(f" 3. Verify: compare SHA-256 of {demo_source} and {demo_image}")
print(f" 4. Generate acquisition report with chain-of-custody metadata")
print("\n[*] Agent ready. Provide a source device and case directory to begin.")