Analyzing Memory Forensics with LiME and Volatility
Instructions
Acquire Linux memory using LiME kernel module, then analyze with Volatility 3
to extract forensic artifacts from the memory image.
# LiME acquisition
insmod lime-$(uname -r).ko "path=/evidence/memory.lime format=lime"
# Volatility 3 analysis
vol3 -f /evidence/memory.lime linux.pslist
vol3 -f /evidence/memory.lime linux.bash
vol3 -f /evidence/memory.lime linux.sockstat
import volatility3
from volatility3.framework import contexts, automagic
from volatility3.plugins.linux import pslist, bash, sockstat
# Programmatic Volatility 3 usage
context = contexts.Context()
automagics = automagic.available(context)
Key analysis steps:
- Acquire memory with LiME (format=lime or format=raw)
- List processes with linux.pslist, compare with linux.psscan
- Extract bash command history with linux.bash
- List network connections with linux.sockstat
- Check loaded kernel modules with linux.lsmod for rootkits
Examples
# Full forensic workflow
vol3 -f memory.lime linux.pslist | grep -v "\[kthread\]"
vol3 -f memory.lime linux.bash
vol3 -f memory.lime linux.malfind
vol3 -f memory.lime linux.lsmod
Verification Criteria
Confirm successful execution by validating:
- [ ] All prerequisite tools and access requirements are satisfied
- [ ] Each workflow step completed without errors
- [ ] Output matches expected format and contains expected data
- [ ] No security warnings or misconfigurations detected
- [ ] Results are documented and evidence is preserved for audit
Compliance Framework Mapping
This skill supports compliance evidence collection across multiple frameworks:
- SOC 2: CC7.1 (Monitoring), CC7.2 (Anomaly Detection), CC7.3 (Incident Identification)
- ISO 27001: A.12.4 (Logging & Monitoring), A.16.1 (Security Incident Management)
- NIST 800-53: AU-6 (Audit Review), SI-4 (System Monitoring), IR-5 (Incident Monitoring)
- NIST CSF: DE.AE (Anomalies & Events), DE.CM (Continuous Monitoring)
Claw GRC Tip: When this skill is executed by a registered agent, compliance evidence is automatically captured and mapped to the relevant controls in your active frameworks.
Deploying This Skill with Claw GRC
Agent Execution
Register this skill with your Claw GRC agent for automated execution:
# Install via CLI
npx claw-grc skills add analyzing-memory-forensics-with-lime-and-volatility
# Or load dynamically via MCP
grc.load_skill("analyzing-memory-forensics-with-lime-and-volatility")
Audit Trail Integration
When executed through Claw GRC, every step of this skill generates tamper-evident audit records:
- SHA-256 chain hashing ensures no step can be modified after execution
- Evidence artifacts (configs, scan results, logs) are automatically attached to relevant controls
- Trust score impact — successful execution increases your agent's trust score
Continuous Compliance
Schedule this skill for recurring execution to maintain continuous compliance posture. Claw GRC monitors for drift and alerts when re-execution is needed.