In an ongoing investigation, a computer forensics investigator encounters a suspicious file believed to be packed using a password-protected program packer. The investigator possesses both the knowledge of the packing tool used and the necessary unpacking tool. What critical step should the investigator consider before analyzing the packed file?
Before analyzing a packed file believed to be password-protected, it is essential to first attempt to decrypt the password. Decrypting the password is a necessary step as it allows access to the file's actual content, enabling accurate unpacking and subsequent analysis. Without decrypting the password, any further analysis would be incomplete and could miss critical information hidden within the packed file.
Program packers that are password-protected can pose a challenge during investigation as investigators need to first decrypt the password to unpack the file.
CHFIv11 page 445: "...investigators must first decrypt the password to unpack the file" but also "Investigators can dynamically analyze...controlled environment..." as the malware brings with it the unpacking tool. Either C or D, though I'd lean on C?
C. Attempt to decrypt the password prior to unpacking the file The textbook emphasizes that before performing any detailed analysis (static or dynamic), the file needs to be unpacked. If the file is protected by a password or encrypted, decrypting it is a necessary step to access its content. This allows for accurate analysis of the file's true nature and contents. Only after decryption and unpacking can the investigator proceed with further analysis or reverse engineering.