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Mac OSx System.log

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(@creeshie)
Active Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

We have imaged an Apple Mac running Mountain Lion 10.8.4 and when we open the image in EnCase v6.19.3.11 there is no sign of the system.log in Private/Var/Log.

We have booted the Mac and can see the system.log in the same path on the physical machine.

EnCase 7 shows the same behaviour in the sense that is not showing some other .log files in Private/Var/Log that appear when the image is viewed in EnCase v6.19.3.11

Anyone have any ideas what would cause this behaviour?


   
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 Earn
(@earn)
Estimable Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 146
 

I would suggest using a forensic tool that runs on a Mac like BlackLight. Even though the latest version of EnCase 7 is supposed to be "better" for Mac data, it still isn't parsing everything that's there. Use Blacklight and compare it to what EnCase is presenting you with. I think you will see that it's not even comparable.

https://www.blackbagtech.com/software-products/blacklight.html


   
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(@creeshie)
Active Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

Thanks for the response Earn. I wasn't aware that EnCase had issues parsing Mac data, that is a bit of a worry.

I will follow up with Blackbag, thanks again.


   
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Chris_Ed
(@chris_ed)
Reputable Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 314
 

Which filesystem is hosting the relevant files? HFS+? Journaled HFS+?

EnCase 6 has issues viewing some versions of HFS, but I am somewhat surprised (although I guess I shouldn't be) about EnCase 7 parsing it incorrectly. Personally I would post something about this on the GSI forums.

If using a Mac for investigations is not a possibility for you (or you want something cheaper), X-Ways parses HFS+ OK in all it's flavours as far as I know.


   
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(@zekituredi)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 16
 

I would definitely suggest FTK for Mac OS X investigations. Handles HFS and also parses .plist files for easier reviewing.


   
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