MFTECmd¶
What MFTECmd does¶
Using this tool
MFTECmd supports timeline and correlation. In this guide, you will use it to parse MFT data and create a focused, traceable file activity timeline. Follow the steps below and keep the output with your notes.
Tool guide at a glance¶
Parse MFT data and create a focused, traceable file activity timeline.
Verified training artefacts with known source time zones and provenance.
A normalised, filtered timeline whose important rows remain traceable to source evidence.
Evidence and safety
Retain original timestamp values and precision. Chronological proximity does not prove causation. 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 timeline and correlation concepts and limitations.Complete when you can explain what the evidence can and cannot show.Beginner · No tool required 02Follow the MFTECmd 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 MFTECmd in SUSA¶
MFTECmd is a command line digital forensics tool that parses the Master File Table ($MFT) on NTFS file systems. The $MFT is one of the most valuable forensic artefacts on Windows because it contains metadata about every file and directory on an NTFS volume. MFTECmd is installed as part of the Eric Zimmerman tool.
Create a triage image with KAPE¶
On the authorised target Windows VM, transfer KAPE and run gkape.exe.
Select C drive as the Target source and E drive as the Target destination. Uncheck Flush. Select SANS_Triage and None for the Container. Click Execute.
A terminal opens and displays KAPE's processing progress.
Once triage is complete, copy $MFT to the DFIR VM. This example uses a host shared folder named share to transfer files between the Windows and DFIR VMs. Record the source, collection time and hash before analysing the copy.
Create a triage timeline body file with MFTECmd¶
Copy $MFT from share folder to the Downloads folder.
Open an administrator Command Prompt and run the following command to create triage timeline bodyfile:
MFTECmd.exe -f "C:\Users\analyst\Downloads\$MFT" --body "G:\timeline" --bodyf mft.body --blf --bdl C:
This body file will later be used to produce a timeline.
Output MFT metadata to CSV format¶
Run the following command to output MFT metadata to CSV format:
The mft.csv can be opened in Timeline Explorer.