UAV (Drone) Forensics: Advanced Techniques and Insights

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have revolutionized various industries, from aerial photography and surveying to emergency response and delivery services. However, along with their widespread adoption comes the need for robust forensic analysis techniques to investigate incidents involving drones. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore advanced UAV forensic techniques, including flight recorder analysis, PixHawk flight controller examinations, FTP extraction, and bespoke data analysis, shedding light on the intricate world of UAV forensics.

Introduction to UAV Forensics

UAV forensics involves the investigation and analysis of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather evidence related to incidents such as accidents, crashes, or criminal activities involving drones. It combines principles from aviation, engineering, and digital forensics to reconstruct events and determine their causes.

1. Introduction to sUAS: sUAS refers to small unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones. These systems typically consist of an aircraft, a controller, and possibly other accessories like cameras or sensors. They are used for various purposes, including recreational activities, aerial photography, surveillance, and commercial applications.
2. Criminal Use of UAVs: UAVs have been increasingly utilized for criminal activities such as smuggling, surveillance, trespassing, and even acts of terrorism. Understanding how criminals exploit drones and the potential risks they pose is crucial for law enforcement and security professionals.
3. Manufacturer Variables: Different manufacturers produce UAVs with varying designs, features, and capabilities. Understanding these variables is essential for forensic analysts to identify specific characteristics or vulnerabilities that may affect the investigation process.
4. Attack Vectors - Risks to Public Safety: UAVs can pose risks to public safety when used maliciously or irresponsibly. Attack vectors may include collisions with aircraft, interference with critical infrastructure, invasion of privacy, or carrying hazardous payloads. Analyzing these risks helps mitigate potential threats.
5. Drone Adaptation: Drones can be modified or adapted to suit specific purposes or overcome limitations. Forensic analysis may involve identifying modifications made to a drone, such as changes to hardware, software, or payload, which could provide insights into the intentions or capabilities of the operator.
6. Capacity & Capability of Drones: Understanding the capabilities and limitations of drones is essential for assessing their potential impact on incidents. Factors such as flight range, payload capacity, flight endurance, and manoeuvrability influence a drone's suitability for different tasks or operations.
7. Health & Safety - Handling & Seizure: Proper handling and seizure procedures are essential when dealing with UAVs, particularly in criminal investigations. Ensuring the safety of personnel and preserving evidence integrity are paramount considerations during the handling and seizure process.
8. Health & Safety - LiPo Batteries: Lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries are commonly used in UAVs due to their high energy density. However, mishandling or damage to LiPo batteries can result in fire or explosion hazards. Understanding proper handling, storage, and disposal protocols is critical for mitigating these risks.
9. Linked Devices - Controller Considerations: The controller is a vital component of UAV operation, as it provides the interface for remote piloting and control. Analyzing linked devices, such as controllers, can provide valuable insights into the actions taken by the operator and the operational history of the drone.
10. Digital vs. Physical Evidence: UAV forensic analysis involves examining both digital and physical evidence. Digital evidence may include flight logs, GPS data, and media files stored onboard the drone, while physical evidence encompasses components like the drone itself, batteries, and controller. Integrating both types of evidence is essential for comprehensive analysis.
11. Packaging / Storage & Continuity: Proper packaging, storage, and continuity procedures are essential for preserving evidence integrity throughout the forensic analysis process. Adhering to standardized protocols helps maintain the chain of custody and ensures that evidence remains admissible in legal proceedings.
12. Understanding How Flight Logs are Created & Updated: Flight logs record various parameters and events during UAV operation, providing valuable data for forensic analysis. Understanding how flight logs are created, updated, and stored onboard the drone helps interpret the information they contain accurately.
13. Aircraft Power On Flowchart: A flowchart depicting the sequence of steps involved in powering on a UAV can provide insights into the startup process and potential points of failure or tampering. Analyzing this flowchart can help identify anomalies or irregularities during forensic investigation.

Components of sUAS

1. Components and features of sUAS

• Aircraft: The flying component of the system, typically equipped with motors, propellers, wings (if fixed-wing), and navigation systems.
• Controller: The device used to remotely pilot the aircraft, often including joysticks, buttons, and switches for controlling flight functions.
• Battery: Provides power to the aircraft for propulsion and onboard systems.
• Propulsion System: Consists of motors and propellers (or rotors) that generate thrust for flight.
• Sensors: Various sensors, such as GPS, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and cameras, provide data for navigation, stability, and payload functions.
• Payload: Optional equipment carried by the aircraft, such as cameras, sensors, or other specialized devices for data collection or delivery.
• Communication System: Enables communication between the controller and the aircraft, often using radio frequency (RF) or wireless protocols.
• Flight Control System: Software and hardware that control the aircraft's flight dynamics, stability, and response to pilot commands.

2. Controller Options:

• Dedicated Controllers: Purpose-built controllers designed specifically for use with the sUAS, offering precise control and tactile feedback.
• Mobile and Tablet Devices: Many sUAS can be piloted using smartphones or tablets connected to the controller via a mobile app, providing a user-friendly interface and additional features.
• FPV Controllers: First-person view (FPV) controllers incorporate video transmission systems, allowing pilots to view live video feeds from the aircraft's onboard camera and fly the drone from a first-person perspective.
• Bespoke Flight Controllers: Custom-built flight controllers tailored to specific applications or performance requirements, offering advanced features and customization options.
• Integrated Displays: Some controllers feature built-in displays for viewing telemetry data, video feeds, and other flight information without the need for external devices.

3. Autonomous Flights:

• Waypoint Navigation: Allows users to predefine a series of GPS waypoints for the aircraft to follow autonomously, enabling automated flight paths.
• Mission Planning Software: Software tools that enable users to plan complex missions, including waypoint navigation, altitude control, and payload operations.
• Geofencing: Digital boundaries or restrictions that prevent the aircraft from flying into prohibited areas or beyond predefined limits.

4. Return-to-Home Feature:

• Safety Feature: Automatically triggers the drone to return to its takeoff point or a designated home location in case of signal loss, low battery, or user command.
• GPS-Based: Relies on GPS or other positioning systems to navigate back to the home point accurately.

5. WiFi Controls:

• Wireless Control: Some sUAS can be piloted using WiFi connections between the controller and the aircraft, offering convenience and flexibility for short-range operations.
• Limitations: WiFi controls may have limited range and susceptibility to interference compared to dedicated radio frequency (RF) controllers.

6. Signal Interception:

• Security Concern: Intercepting or disrupting the communication signals between the controller and the aircraft can pose security risks, allowing unauthorized access or control over the drone.
• Countermeasures: Encryption, frequency hopping, and other security measures can help mitigate the risk of signal interception and unauthorized access.

Extraction Techniques

1. Extraction of Data from the Aircraft:

• Physical Access: Data can be extracted directly from the aircraft's onboard storage devices, such as flash memory chips or SD cards, by physically accessing them.
• Data Ports: Some sUAS may have data ports or interfaces for connecting to external devices, such as USB ports or serial interfaces, which can be used for data extraction.
• Forensic Tools: Specialized forensic tools and software can be employed to extract data from the aircraft's storage devices, including flight logs, configuration settings, and media files.

2. Extraction of Data from Mobile/Tablet Devices:

• Mobile Device Forensics: Data related to sUAS operations, such as flight logs, telemetry data, and media files, may be stored on mobile or tablet devices used to control the aircraft.
• Forensic Software: Mobile forensic tools and software can be utilized to extract data from the device's internal storage, including application data, system logs, and cached files related to the sUAS operation.
• Cloud Storage: Data may also be synced or backed up to cloud storage services associated with the mobile device, which can be accessed using appropriate authentication and forensic techniques.

3. Extraction of Controller Data:

• Controller Memory: Controllers used to pilot sUAS may store flight logs, configuration settings, and other relevant data internally, which can be extracted using forensic tools or techniques.
• USB Connections: Some controllers may have USB ports or interfaces for connecting to external devices, enabling data extraction using standard USB protocols.
• Wireless Access: Wireless controllers may transmit data to connected mobile devices or to onboard storage, which can be intercepted and extracted using appropriate interception or monitoring techniques.

4. Disassembling Techniques:

• Physical Disassembly: In cases where direct access to internal components is required, disassembling the sUAS or its components may be necessary.
• Specialized Tools: Disassembling tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and prying tools may be used to access internal components without causing damage.
• Expertise: Disassembly should be performed by trained personnel with knowledge of the sUAS design and construction to avoid damage and maintain evidence integrity.

5. Arguments For and Against:

• For: Disassembling techniques can provide access to internal components and data not accessible through other means, enabling comprehensive forensic analysis and investigation.
• Against: Disassembling may risk damage to the sUAS, compromise evidence integrity, and require specialized expertise and equipment, increasing the complexity and cost of forensic analysis.

6. Advanced Extractions Using CFID and Raven Devices:

• CFID (Cellebrite Forensic Imaging Device): Specialized forensic imaging devices like CFID can be used to extract data from mobile devices, including sUAS-related data stored on smartphones or tablets.
• Raven Devices: Raven devices are advanced forensic tools designed for extracting data from various digital devices, including computers, mobile devices, and storage media, offering advanced data acquisition and analysis capabilities.

7. Using File Transfer Protocols (FTP) to Extract UAV Data:

• Network Access: Some sUAS may support file transfer protocols such as FTP, which enable remote access to onboard storage devices for data extraction.
• Security Considerations: FTP access should be secured to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data integrity during extraction, utilizing encryption and authentication mechanisms where possible.

8. Advanced Exploitation of Communication Ports to Access Data:

• Serial Ports: Exploiting communication ports such as serial interfaces or UART connections on the sUAS may enable direct access to internal data buses or storage devices for extraction.
• Ethical Considerations: Exploiting communication ports should be performed ethically and legally, adhering to applicable laws and regulations regarding data access and privacy.

Interpretation of Data:

Interpretation involves analyzing flight logs, telemetry data, media files, and other information to reconstruct events, identify anomalies, and determine potential causes of incidents.

1. Using Open Source and Commercial Forensic Tools:

• Open-source tools like Autopsy, Volatility, and The Sleuth Kit provide free options for analyzing UAV data.
• Commercial tools such as Magnet AXIOM, Cellebrite UFED, and Oxygen Forensic Detective offer advanced features for comprehensive forensic analysis, including data recovery, timeline analysis, and artifact parsing.

2. Interpretation of UAV Data:

• UAV data may include flight logs, telemetry data, configuration settings, and media files.
• Flight logs provide detailed information about the aircraft's flight path, altitude, speed, battery status, and any anomalies encountered during flight.
• Telemetry data includes sensor readings, GPS coordinates, and other parameters recorded during flight, providing additional context for analysis.

3. File System Considerations:

• Understanding the file system structure of UAVs and associated devices is essential for locating and interpreting data.
• Common file systems include FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS for storage devices and EXT4 for Android devices.
• File allocation tables, directories, and metadata can provide valuable information about file organization and usage.

4. Registered User Information:

• Extracted data may contain information about registered users, including account details, device identifiers, and user preferences.
• Registered user information can help identify individuals associated with the UAV and their activities.

5. Aircraft Details:

• Extracted data may include details about the aircraft, such as model, serial number, firmware version, and hardware specifications.
• Understanding the aircraft's capabilities and configuration is essential for assessing its performance and potential issues.

6. Flight Log Analysis Techniques:

• Flight log analysis involves parsing and interpreting data recorded during UAV flight.
• Techniques include plotting flight paths on maps, analyzing sensor readings, identifying flight modes, and correlating events with telemetry data.

7. Interpretation of Data from Portable Devices:

• Data extracted from portable devices, such as smartphones or tablets used to control UAVs, may include application data, system logs, and cached files.
• Interpretation involves analyzing app usage, communication logs, and device interactions related to UAV operations.

8. Default Folder Structures of Controlling Apps:

• Controlling apps on Android and iOS devices typically have default folder structures where data related to UAV operations is stored.
• Analyzing these folder structures can help locate flight logs, media files, and configuration settings for forensic analysis.

9. Synchronized Logs vs. Local Logs:

• Synchronized logs are stored remotely or in the cloud, while local logs are stored on the device itself.
• Analyzing synchronised logs can provide a comprehensive view of UAV operations across multiple devices, while local logs offer insights into individual device activities.

10. Error Log Analysis:

• Error logs record system errors, warnings, and exceptions encountered during UAV operation.
• Analyzing error logs can help identify technical issues, software bugs, and operational challenges affecting UAV performance.

11. Media File Examination (Geolocations and Dates & Times):

• Media files captured by UAVs may contain metadata such as geolocations, dates, and times.
• Examining this metadata can help reconstruct events, verify locations, and establish timelines for forensic analysis.

12. Workflows in Combining Offline Files for Further Analysis:

• Combining offline files from multiple sources, such as UAVs, controllers, and mobile devices, requires careful coordination and data integration.
• Workflows involve identifying common data elements, standardizing formats, and reconciling discrepancies for comprehensive analysis.

14. Interpretation of Additional Data on Other Devices:

• Additional data on other devices, such as computers or storage media, may provide context or corroborate findings related to UAV operations.
• Techniques include cross-referencing data, analyzing communication logs, and correlating events for a holistic understanding of the incident.

Advanced Analysis Techniques

1. Flight Recorder "Blackbox" Log Analysis:

• Flight recorder logs, often referred to as "Blackbox" data, contain detailed information about a UAV's flight parameters, sensor readings, and control inputs.
• Advanced analysis involves parsing and interpreting Blackbox logs to reconstruct flight events, identify anomalies, and determine contributing factors to incidents.

2. PixHawk Flight Controller Extractions and Examinations:

• PixHawk flight controllers are commonly used in DIY and custom-built drones, offering advanced features and customization options.
• Extraction and examination of PixHawk flight controller data involve accessing onboard storage, retrieving flight logs, and analyzing configuration settings for forensic analysis.

3. Advanced FTP Extraction Techniques:

• Drones often store flight logs, media files, and other data on internal storage or SD cards.
• Advanced extraction techniques involve accessing the drone's file system using FTP protocols, enabling retrieval of encrypted or protected data for forensic analysis.

4. Off-line Decryption of Flight Logs:

• DJI flight logs are often encrypted to protect sensitive information.
• Off-line decryption techniques involve reverse engineering encryption algorithms, obtaining decryption keys, or utilizing specialized tools to decrypt DJI flight logs for analysis.

4. Custom Build Drone Analysis:

• Custom-built drones may have unique configurations, hardware, and software setups.
• Analysis of custom-built drones involves understanding the design, components, and operational characteristics to interpret data effectively and identify potential issues or vulnerabilities.

5. Linking Hardware Devices within the sUAS:

• UAVs often consist of multiple hardware devices interconnected for operation.
• Linking hardware devices involves analyzing data exchange, communication protocols, and control interfaces to understand the integration and functionality of each component within the sUAS.

6. Simplification of Data - Graphical Representation:

• Graphical representation of UAV data simplifies complex information into visual formats, such as charts, graphs, and timelines.
• Simplified data visualization aids in identifying patterns, trends, and correlations, facilitating easier interpretation and communication of forensic findings.

7. Bespoke UAV Data Analysis:

• Bespoke UAV data analysis involves customized approaches tailored to specific requirements, scenarios, or investigative objectives.
• Techniques may include developing custom algorithms, scripts, or software tools for data processing, visualization, and analysis to address unique challenges or complexities in UAV forensic investigations.

This detailed guide provides a deep dive into advanced UAV forensic techniques, offering valuable insights for forensic analysts, law enforcement professionals, and industry experts alike. With the rapid expansion of UAV technology, mastering these advanced techniques is essential for staying ahead in the dynamic field of UAV forensics.

Note: The technical UAV Forensics Investigation Report will be published soon for detailed understanding.