In the aftermath of a security breach on an e-commerce web server, forensic analysis is crucial to understanding the attack's scope, identifying the attack vectors used, and determining how the adversary gained access. This investigation focuses on analyzing logs, identifying unauthorized system modifications, and uncovering potential data exfiltration attempts. By leveraging Linux forensic techniques, we can systematically trace the attacker's movements and establish a timeline of events.
The attack appears to have targeted a publicly accessible application, which is a common entry point for adversaries seeking initial access. Examining web server logs provides insight into potential exploitation attempts, while system audit logs reveal suspicious commands executed by the attacker. Identifying unauthorized privilege escalations and modifications to critical system files is key to understanding how the adversary maintained persistence within the environment.
Additionally, detecting attempts to exfiltrate data is a priority, as attackers often seek to steal sensitive information before they are discovered. Analyzing file system changes, compressed archives, and outbound network activity can provide evidence of data theft. Furthermore, investigating unauthorized user creation and privilege assignment helps uncover any backdoor accounts that may allow continued access to the compromised system.
This walkthrough provides a step-by-step forensic analysis of the incident, applying real-world investigative techniques to reconstruct the attack chain. By following this process, security professionals can enhance their skills in detecting, analyzing, and mitigating