TSK istat Command for Inode Block Analysis

312-49v10 By islever Editorial Last updated

Windows Forensics

Short answer

D The investigator should utilize the istat command with the -B num argument to examine the addresses of all allocated disk units for the suspicious inode.

Question

A CHFI expert creates a forensics image of a pen drive using AccessData FTK Imager during a computer forensics investigation. The investigator uses The Sleuth Kit (TSK) to examine an ext4 file system on a Linux disk image and suspects data tampering. The expert decides to verify inode metadata for a critical file. However, he notes an unexpected block allocation in the inode details. Which TSK command-line tool and argument should the investigator utilize to examine the addresses of all allocated disk units for the suspicious inode?
  1. fsstat -f ext4
  2. img_stat -i raw
  3. fls -o imgoffset
  4. istat -B num Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The core concept tested is distinguishing between file listing commands and detailed inode analysis tools, while avoiding the trap of selecting general filesystem statistics utilities.

This question tests the use of The Sleuth Kit (TSK) command-line tools for examining ext4 inode metadata in Linux forensics. It establishes that the 'istat' utility with the '-B' flag is the correct method to retrieve block addresses for a specific inode.

Common mistake: Candidates often select 'fsstat' because it deals with filesystems, but this tool provides only high-level statistics rather than specific inode or block address details.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

The correct answer is D. The 'istat' tool in The Sleuth Kit is specifically designed to display detailed metadata about a specific inode, including its status, size, timestamps, and block pointers. The '-B' argument instructs 'istat' to list the addresses of all allocated blocks (disk units) associated with the specified inode number ('num'). This directly addresses the investigator's need to verify block allocation for a critical file.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A, 'fsstat', provides summary information about the filesystem structure (such as superblock details) but does not inspect individual inodes or their block maps. Option B, 'img_stat', is used to gather information about the disk image file itself (like format and size), not the internal file system structures. Option C, 'fls', lists files and directories within the filesystem but does not provide the low-level block address details required for forensic verification of data tampering.

Community Comment Notes

The community consensus strongly supports option D. As user aqeel1506 noted, "istat: This command in The Sleuth Kit (TSK) is used to display details about a specific inode... -B: This argument is used with istat to display the addresses of all allocated blocks." Another commenter confirmed this by referencing external documentation on the 'istat' command's functionality regarding unallocated inodes and block pointers.

Exam Strategy

When dealing with TSK questions, memorize the primary function of each tool: 'fls' for file listing, 'icat' for content extraction, 'istat' for inode metadata, and 'fsstat' for filesystem stats. Focus on the keyword 'inode' to immediately narrow down your choice to 'istat'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fls and istat in TSK?

fls lists filenames and directory entries, while istat displays detailed metadata for a specific inode, including block addresses.

Why is fsstat incorrect for checking inode details?

fsstat only shows high-level filesystem statistics like superblock info, not individual inode data or block allocations.

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Community Votes

D
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer D. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 3 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 3

  1. aqeel1506 👍 1
    The investigator should use: D. istat -B num Explanation: istat: This command in The Sleuth Kit (TSK) is used to display details about a specific inode, including its metadata and block addresses. -B: This argument is used with istat to display the addresses of all allocated blocks for the specified inode number. num: This represents the inode number that the investigator wants to examine.
  2. Elb 👍 1 Answered D
    The istat command displays the details of a metadata structure, i.e., inode -B num : This option displays the addresses of num disk units. It is useful when the inode is unallocated with size 0 but still has block pointer
  3. Elb 👍 1
    D < https://sites.ualberta.ca/dept/chemeng/AIX-43/share/man/info/C/a_doc_lib/cmds/aixcmds3/istat.htm

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