MZCacheView¶
What MZCacheView does¶
Using this tool
MZCacheView supports browser forensics. In this guide, you will use it to inspect Firefox cache entries and export one relevant resource safely. Follow the steps below and keep the output with your notes.
Tool guide at a glance¶
Inspect Firefox cache entries and export one relevant resource safely.
A copied training browser profile or supplied browser artefact set.
A browser observation linked to profile, source artefact, time context, and corroborating evidence.
Evidence and safety
Use copied profiles. Do not open recovered links or downloads on the analyst workstation. Record the input identifier, tool version, relevant commands or settings, time and time zone, output location, and any errors or limitations as you work.
Choose your journey¶
01Understand the evidenceLearn the browser forensics concepts and limitations.Complete when you can explain what the evidence can and cannot show.Beginner · No tool required 02Follow the MZCacheView guideFollow the steps and screenshots below.Complete when the documented workflow produces its expected output.Guided · SUSA workstation · Time varies 03Interactive labPractise the tool workflow in a safe browser simulation.Complete when the guided result is supported by the case evidence.Beginner · Browser only 04Full LabUse your own training data, keep the output and explain what you found.Complete when another analyst can reproduce and verify the outcome.Intermediate · Isolated lab
How the labs complement this guide
The Interactive Lab uses example records to practise investigation decisions. It does not run the installed tool or establish how that version behaves. The Full Lab uses your own training environment and evidence. Obtain or create the required input before starting; a case name in an exercise is not a download.
Accessing MZCacheView in SUSA¶
MZCacheView is a small utility that reads the cache folder of Firefox/Mozilla/Netscape Web browsers, and displays the list of all files currently stored in the cache.
Analyse a copied browser profile and record the source path, browser version and relevant time zone context. Cached objects can support that content was retrieved, but cache presence alone does not establish who viewed it or whether the content was deliberately saved.
Download MZCacheView.
Move the downloaded ZIP archive to C:\Tools and extract the contents to C:\Tools\MZCacheView. Open MZCacheView and confirm that it starts without an error.