Key Updates in FOR518: What Every Investigator Needs to Know
📌 macOS 15 & iOS 18 Artifact Analysis
📌 15+ New Forensic Data Sources
📌 APFS Snapshots & Biome Databases
Critical Forensic Updates for Apple Ecosystems
| Feature | Forensic Impact | Analysis Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Biome Databases | Replaces KnowledgeC/InteractionC | iLEAPP, APOLLO, ALEAPP |
| CarPlay Forensics | Tracks in-vehicle device interactions | MacQuisition, Cellebrite |
| Spotlight Metadata | Reveals file search/sharing patterns | Macquisition, BlackLight |
| AirDrop Logging | Records file transfers via Unified Logs | Plist Explorer, iLEAPP |
| TCC Framework | Tracks sensitive permission grants | dbBrowser, OSX Auditor |
| XProtect Quarantine | Identifies malicious files | Suspicious Package, KnockKnock |
| Health Data | Steps/heart rate tracking | APOLLO, Cellebrite Physical |
| Bluetooth Logs | Device connection timestamps | Elcomsoft iOS Toolkit |
| APFS Snapshots | Historical file system recovery | MacQuisition, Terminal |
Deep Dive: 5 Critical Forensic Techniques
1. Biome Database Analysis
(macOS 15/iOS 18 replacement for KnowledgeC)
<BASH># Locate Biome databasesfind /private/var/mobile/Library/Biome/ -name "*.db" -exec ls -la {} \;# Parse with iLEAPPpython3 ileapp.py -t biome -i /path/to/backup📌 Key Evidence:
✔ App usage timestamps
✔ Device-to-device activity synchronization
✔ Location/activity transitions
2. CarPlay Forensic Acquisition
New in iOS 18/macOS 15
<BASH># Extract CarPlay logs from iOS backupsqlite3 ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/Backup/*/3d0d*/data "SELECT * FROM ZCARPLAYACTIVITY"🔍 Critical Data Points:
- Navigation destinations (Maps.app)
- Media playback history (Apple Music/Spotify)
- Call logs synced with vehicle
3. Spotlight Forensic Recovery
Metadata Goldmine
<BASH># View Spotlight indexessudo mdimport -Xsudo mdutil -s /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD# Extract metadatamdfind "kMDItemFSSize > 10000000" # Large files📁 Reveals:
✔ Deleted file searches
✔ AirDrop recipient history
✔ Cloud-synced document access
4. APFS Snapshot Mounting
Time-Travel Forensics
<BASH># List available snapshotsdiskutil apfs listSnapshots /dev/disk1s1# Mount specific snapshotsudo mount_apfs -s com.apple.TimeMachine.2023-11-14-123456 /dev/disk1s1 /mnt/snapshot⏳ Forensic Value:
✔ Recover pre-deletion files
✔ Compare system states pre/post incident
✔ Analyze historical TCC permissions
5. Unified Logs for AirDrop
File Transfer Tracking
<BASH># Extract AirDrop transferslog show --predicate 'process == "sharingd"' --last 7d --info | grep -i airdrop📲 Critical Evidence:
- Transferred file hashes
- Recipient device identifiers
- Timestamps of declined transfers
Toolkit Update 2024
| Tool | Best For | New Features |
|---|---|---|
| iLEAPP | Biome/Interaction analysis | macOS 15 support |
| APOLLO | Health/Activity data | WatchOS 10 parsing |
| Cellebrite | CarPlay/Bluetooth forensics | Enhanced vehicle data |
| MacQuisition | APFS snapshot acquisition | T2/M1/M2 chip support |
| BlackLight | Unified log analysis | AirDrop visualization |
Forensic Challenges & Solutions
⚠️ Challenge: Encrypted Biome databases
✅ Solution: Use iOS backup decryption via Elcomsoft/checkm8
⚠️ Challenge: Missing CarPlay logs
✅ Solution: Extract from paired iPhone if vehicle unavailable
⚠️ Challenge: APFS snapshot deletion
✅ Solution: Low-level autopsy of freed blocks with XWays
Continuing Education Resources
📚 Recommended Reading:
- “Apple Device Forensics: macOS 15/iOS 18” by Sarah Edwards
- “The Advanced APFS Forensics Guide” (SANS Whitepaper)
🎓 Hands-On Training:
- SANS FOR518: Mac & iOS Forensic Analysis
- BlackBag Technologies Advanced Mac Forensics
“In 2024 tests, Biome databases contained 37% more user activity evidence than traditional KnowledgeC for the same time period.”
— SANS Digital Forensics Research Report
