<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
---
name: collecting-cloud-disk-images
description: >-
  Forensically collect and preserve cloud disk images for evidence analysis and chain of custody.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: cloud-forensics
tags:
  - disk-imaging
  - evidence-collection
  - forensics
  - cloud-security
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1005"]
---

# Collecting Cloud Disk Images

## Overview

Forensically collect and preserve cloud disk images for evidence analysis and chain of custody.

## Prerequisites

| Requirement | Install |
|---|---|
| AWS CLI | EBS snapshots |
| dd/dc3dd | Disk imaging |
| Python 3.10+ | For agent tooling |

## Key Concepts

Cloud disk image collection preserves volatile evidence. Includes
EBS snapshot creation, image export, integrity hashing, and
chain of custody documentation.

## Quick Reference

```bash
aws ec2 create-snapshot --volume-id vol-12345 --description 'Forensic capture'
node agent.js capture --volume vol-12345 --region us-east-1
node agent.js hash --snapshot snap-12345 --algorithm sha256
node agent.js report --investigation DISK-2026-001
```

## Workflow

1. Identify target volumes
2. Create snapshots
3. Export disk images
4. Calculate hashes
5. Verify integrity
6. Document chain of custody
7. Store securely

## Detection

```yaml
title: Collecting Cloud Disk Images Detection
id: dcfb8fdb-e12b-4290-823d-13a6f7d7f3f1
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to collecting cloud disk images techniques in cloud forensics context
logsource:
  product: aws
  service: cloudtrail
detection:
  selection:
    eventName: "*Unauthorized*"
  condition: selection
level: high
tags:
  - attack.t1005
  - attack.collection
falsepositives:
  - Scheduled compliance scanning by authorized security tools
```

## Verification

- Verify snapshot creation
- Confirm export works
- Validate hash integrity
- Check chain of custody
- Verify secure storage

## References

- OWASP Testing Guide — https://owasp.org/www-project-web-security-testing-guide/
- MITRE ATT&CK — https://attack.mitre.org/
- NIST SP 800-53 — https://csf.tools/reference/nist-sp-800-53/
