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Plaso (log2timeline)

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Forensics · Advanced · Forensics lane

AdvancedDFIR
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is Plaso (log2timeline)?

Plaso (log2timeline) builds super-timelines from disk artifacts.

Timeline analysis in DFIR investigations.

Official website: Plaso (log2timeline) · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Super-timeline generation from disk artifacts.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Plaso (log2timeline).
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • DFIR analysts
  • SOC / blue team
  • Malware analysts

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Plaso (log2timeline) using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Docs

    https://plaso.readthedocs.io/

Kali Linux

Available via packages/pip in DFIR builds; usable from Kali with dependencies.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxAvailable via packages/pip in DFIR builds; usable from Kali with dependencies.
Debianapt install plaso-tools

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Parse lab image

    log2timeline.py timeline.plaso image.raw

    Parse lab image

  2. 2. Show help

    log2timeline.py --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    log2timeline.py -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

5. Useful features

  • Parsers
  • Timeline

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Parse lab image

    log2timeline.py timeline.plaso image.raw

    Parse lab image

  2. Example 2: Show help

    log2timeline.py --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    log2timeline.py -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

7. Important notes

  • Forensic timeline analysis.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: digital forensics incident response · Commands: /commands