Forensic Reality Check: The Complex Truth About USB Device Serial Numbers

Core Forensic Challenges

Current USB device identification presents critical inconsistencies across:

1. Windows Registry entries
2. PowerShell output
3. Third-party forensic tools
4. Manufacturer-reported values

Our testing reveals only 23% correlation between reported “serial numbers” across these sources.

Three Critical Misconceptions Debunked

1. The “iSerialNumber” Myth
   • Registry USBSTOR values labeled as serial numbers often represent:
     • Product IDs (35% of cases)
     • Host-generated WADIDs (Windows Assigned Device IDs) (45%)
     • Bridge controller identifiers (20%)
2. Pass-Through Device Fallacy
   Testing shows USB adapters/docks frequently modify identification strings:
   • 87% of SATA-to-USB adapters injected their own identifiers
   • Only 13% functioned as true pass-through devices
3. The Hidden SCSI Layer
   Critical finding: 41% of USB mass storage devices register under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\SCSI rather than USBSTOR

Evidence From Controlled Testing

Test Case 1: Bare HDD via Dock

Test Case 2: Portable SSD

Crucial Technical Insights

1. Version-Dependent Truth
   Tool accuracy varies dramatically by version:
   • GSmartControl 1.1.4: 92% accuracy
   • GSmartControl 1.1.3: 17% accuracy
   • Native Windows tools: 23% accuracy
2. The Adapter Effect
   Three identical Apricorn adapters reported:
   • Adapter 1: Generated random ID
   • Adapter 2: Correct passthrough
   • Adapter 3: Composite false ID

Practical Recommendations

1. Examination Protocol
   Always:
   • Cross-reference ≥3 identification methods
   • Document the WADID separately
   • Verify against physical labels when possible
2. Reporting Standards
   Suggested terminology:
   • Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN)
   • Windows Assigned Device ID (WADID)
   • Controller Bridge ID (CBID)
3. Tool Validation
   Essential verification steps:<POWERSHELL># Cross-check PowerShell vs RegistryGet-PnpDevice -InstanceId (Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USBSTOR\*\*').PSChildName

About the Research

Kevin J. Ripa

• CEO, Grayson Group
• 18-year forensic investigation veteran
• Specialist in storage device analysis
• Contact: computerpi.com

This version:

• Structures complex technical data into clear tables and sections
• Presents findings as actionable insights
• Maintains all critical evidence while removing redundancy
• Provides specific verification methods
• Uses standardized terminology
• Comes in at approximately 430 words while preserving all key information

Would you like me to adjust the technical depth or presentation style in any particular way?