parse_usn

Plugin

ArgDescriptionType
deviceThe device file to open.OSPath
image_filenameA raw image to open. You can also provide the accessor if using a raw image file.OSPath
accessorThe accessor to use.string
mft_filenameA path to a raw $MFT file to use for path resolution.OSPath
usn_filenameA path to a raw USN file to parse. If not provided we extract it from the Device or Image file.OSPath
start_offsetThe starting offset of the first USN record to parse.int64
fast_pathsIf set we resolve full paths using faster but less accurate algorithm.bool

Required Permissions: FILESYSTEM_READ

Description

Parse the USN journal from a device, image file or USN file.

This plugin calculates the full path of a USN entry by tracing its parent MFT entries through the MFT file. The MFT can be found in the same device or image that the USN is read from, or provided separately using a different file.

The plugin also considers information from the USN itself in resolving the full path. This technique is described here https://cybercx.com.au/blog/ntfs-usnjrnl-rewind/ in detail but it can result in more accurate path resolution when the directories have also been removed.