Embedding Forensic Data in Memory Dumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory dump processes lack the inclusion of hardware state data and Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) data, making it difficult to debug hardware or BIOS-induced failures effectively, especially in live debugging sessions which are often logistically and securely challenging to perform on-premises in real-time.
Innovation Solution
The method involves embedding forensic and triage data in memory dumps by detecting firmware interface writing to kernel memory, generating hardware forensic data from local bus, firmware event logs, and memory mapped I/O data, and parsing this data to include it in the memory dump, allowing for proactive and real-time capture of hardware failure information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If memory dump is performed using traditional methods, then software crash information is captured, but hardware state data and NVRAM data are missing making hardware/BIOS failure debugging impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines software memory dump data with hardware state data and NVRAM data into a single integrated memory dump file. The firmware interface merges these different data types together, allowing comprehensive debugging information to be captured in one location without requiring separate collection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing hardware state data and NVRAM data in firmware-managed memory locations before the system crash occurs. This preliminary capture ensures that volatile hardware information is preserved even when the system becomes unresponsive, eliminating the need for post-crash hardware inspection.
2Loss of information
If live debugging session is performed to capture hardware failure information, then hardware state data can be obtained, but logistical and security challenges prevent on-premises real-time debugging
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware creates a copy of the hardware state data and NVRAM contents and stores it in memory locations that will be included in the memory dump. This copying mechanism allows the hardware information to be captured locally without requiring physical access to the system or transmission of data across networks, eliminating logistical and security barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing and preserving hardware state information locally within the firmware memory before the crash occurs. This eliminates the need for external debugging resources, on-premises expert intervention, or network connectivity, allowing the system to debug itself post-crash.
3Loss of information
If hardware forensic data is collected from multiple sources, then comprehensive debugging information is obtained, but data parsing and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection process by having the firmware interface collect different types of hardware forensic data (local bus data, NVRAM data, memory-mapped I/O data) from separate sources and store them in distinct memory locations. This segmentation allows each data type to be collected independently using appropriate methods, reducing the complexity of the overall parsing process while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and processes to embed forensic and triage data in memory dumps. Memory dump data being written to kernel memory of a computing system by a firmware interface is detected. An operating mode of an operating system executing on the computing system is activated. Hardware forensic data is generated by reading local computer bus data, firmware event log data, and memory mapped input/output (I/O) data associated with the computing system. The hardware forensic data is then stored in a memory location of the kernel memory, causing the hardware forensic data to be included in the memory dump data being written to kernel memory.