Prefetch Analyzer
The Prefetch Analyzer is tasked with identifying suspicious entries within Windows's Prefetch feature.
Prefetch is a Windows OS feature aimed at enhancing performance by speeding up application and system startups. It works by tracking and preloading frequently accessed data and code based on user application usage, thus reducing load times.
In Windows, each application execution may generate or update a Prefetch file (.pf), which contains information about the application, its associated files, and the sections of the application accessed during start-up.
From a forensic and malware analysis standpoint, the Prefetch folder is highly informative:
Execution History: Prefetch files reveal which applications have been run, shedding light on user or malware activities. The existence of a .pf file for a specific executable is indicative of its usage.
Timestamps: These files include timestamps of the first and last times applications were run, aiding in event correlation.
Execution Frequency: The number of times an application has been run is recorded, potentially indicating abnormal or repetitive patterns suggestive of malware.
Associated Files: Prefetch files list files and directories the application accessed at startup, aiding in identifying further malicious elements or artifacts.
Evasion and Anti-Forensics: Malware may try to avoid detection by altering or deleting its own or other applications' Prefetch files. Missing files or signs of tampering can signal malicious interference.
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