The Art of Timeline Reconstruction: A How-To Guide for Intelligence Analysts

Timeline reconstruction is a critical process in intelligence gathering, allowing analysts to piece together events from fragmented data sources like Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR) and Packet Capture (PCAP) files. Here's how experts achieve this intricate task: 

1. Understanding the Data Sources

PCAP Files 

PCAP files capture raw network traffic, including packet headers and payloads. Analysts begin by understanding the structure of these files, which includes: 

• Global Headers: Provide context such as timestamp precision and file format, crucial for accurate event sequencing. 

• Packet Headers: Contain timestamps and lengths, helping to establish the order and size of each captured packet. 

• Payload: The actual data transmitted, essential for identifying communication details and potential threats. 

IPDR Data 

IPDR records offer structured insights into network activities, capturing details like source/destination IPs, timestamps, and protocols used. This data helps in tracking communication patterns and identifying anomalies. 

2. Reconstructing the Timeline

Packet Reassembly 

For protocols like HTTP, data may be fragmented across multiple packets. Tools such as Justniffer or Xplico are used to reassemble these fragments into complete streams by: 

• Extracting IP packets from Ethernet frames. 

• Reordering TCP segments based on sequence numbers. 

• Discarding duplicates and ensuring data integrity through checksums. 

Aligning Events 

Once reassembled, analysts align events chronologically using timestamps from both PCAP and IPDR data. This alignment helps correlate activities across different network layers, providing a unified view of the incident. 

3. Analysing Patterns and Anomalies

With a reconstructed timeline, analysts can: 

• Detect deviations from normal traffic patterns, indicating potential security incidents. 

• Identify key communication nodes or unusual spikes in activity that may suggest malicious behaviour. 

4. Tools and Techniques

Command-Line Tools 

Tools like tcpdump are invaluable for quick analysis of large PCAP files. Analysts use various switches to filter and display relevant data efficiently: 

• -r to read files 

• -n to disable DNS resolution 

• -tttt for detailed timestamps 

Data Reduction Techniques 

By focusing on indicators of interest or known threat signatures, analysts can reduce noise in large datasets, making it easier to pinpoint significant events. 

5. Deriving Actionable Intelligence

The ultimate goal is to convert the reconstructed timeline into actionable intelligence. By understanding the sequence and context of events, decision-makers can take informed actions to mitigate threats or respond to incidents effectively. 

Conclusion 

In summary, timeline reconstruction from IPDR and PCAP data involves meticulous reassembly and analysis of network events. By leveraging specialized tools and techniques, intelligence analysts can transform raw data into strategic insights that enhance security operations.