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Top OSS Incident Response Tools

Open-source software (OSS) incident response (IR) tools are publicly available tools enterprises use to effectively manage and respond to numerous security threats.

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What are OSS incident response tools?

Open-source software (OSS) incident response (IR) tools are publicly available tools enterprises use to effectively manage and respond to numerous security threats. Because they’re open-source, companies don't have to break the bank to detect, analyze, and respond to active security events. 

Organizations realize the true value of security IR tools when they recover quickly from a security event, as they’re vital for automating processes, facilitating coordination, and providing critical insights. However, it’s important to note that OSS often comes with integration challenges, limited resources and support, customization complexities, and security concerns. 

As they are publicly available, malicious actors can also use OSS tools to discover and exploit potential vulnerabilities. This means organizations have to be vigilant regarding patches and updates to mitigate any potential security risks related to OSS tools.

This article explores top OSS IR tools that enterprises can integrate into their security stack.  

What do OSS IR tools bring to the table?

When it comes to getting businesses back on track and ensuring business continuity, incident response teams with well-thought-out plans and tried-and-tested incident remediation tools play a vital role.

Many automated IR tools in the marketplace today cost-effectively automate routine tasks and provide comprehensive documentation and post-incident analysis. OSS IR tools further support disaster recovery and response plans by facilitating collaboration and accelerating response times. They also make the response process more structured and consistent, plus provide insights to continuously improve backup and disaster recovery plans.

Additional benefits include: 

  • Flexibility and customization

  • Proactive threat management

  • Rapid incident detection and notification

  • Streamlined cyber IR management

  • Reduced downtime 

  • Lower overall incident impact

How we chose top incident response tools

IR tools can either be commercial or open-source. When selecting any IR tool, it's critical to evaluate key features like automated alerts and notifications, integration capabilities, flexible reporting and analytics, customization options, and scalability. For OSS, it also helps to look for community support, documentation, and a user-friendly interface. 

We focus on seven top open-source software IR tools by breaking them down into four categories based on their core functions and features:

  • Digital forensics and live response

  • Incident management and case collaboration

  • Security monitoring and threat detection

  • System querying and monitoring

We then present their primary features, pros, and cons. 

Digital forensics and live response tools

IR tools in the digital forensics and live response category help security teams investigate and mitigate cybersecurity incidents. Real-time analysis and immediate remediation enable proactive management of security events. 

Figure: 1 Conduct targeted collection of digital forensic evidence on Velociraptor (Source: Velociraptor)

Velociraptor

Velociraptor enhances visibility by collecting and analyzing data from endpoints. This advanced IR tool helps conduct targeted investigations, making it highly suitable for digital forensics and IR.

Core features

  • Continuously monitors endpoints

  • Collects data, e.g., file changes, process activities, and event logs

  • Leverages Velociraptor Query Language (VQL) to create adaptable and customized queries for specific artifacts

  • Collects forensic data across multiple endpoints to respond quickly during active security events

  • Searches for suspicious behavior and indicators of compromise (IOCs) using forensic artifacts

  • Tailors searches to meet specific threat detection requirements

  • Collects events and stores data centrally for historical review and long-term analysis

ProsCons
Enhances efficiency by pushing queries directly to endpointsInvolves complex setup and configuration
Integrates seamlessly with other security platformsConsumes significant system resources
Scales effectively with cloud-native capabilitiesHas a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with VQL

GRR Rapid Response

The fast and scalable IR framework GRR Rapid Response is perfect for remote live forensics. Security analysts can leverage this tool to quickly triage attacks and conduct in-depth analysis remotely. 

Core features

  • Searches across a fleet of machines to quickly identify compromised systems

  • Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows

  • Conducts live memory analysis and collects forensic artifacts from remote machines without physical access

  • Collects a wide range of digital forensic artifacts, including registry data, memory dumps, and file downloads

  • Features a user-friendly interface and RESTful API for viewing collected data and managing clients

  • Enhances ongoing monitoring by automating and scheduling recurring tasks for regular endpoint checks

ProsCons
Operates under open-source Apache License 2.0 and allows customizationInvolves complex setup and configuration
Collects forensic data quicklyConsumes significant system resources and impacts performance when running multiple clients
Handles large deployments seamlesslyPresents a steep learning curve for mastering all features and functionalities

Sans Investigative Forensics Toolkit (SIFT) Workstation 

SIFT Workstation comprises a collection of digital forensic IR tools used to perform detailed forensic analysis. It offers an extensive environment where security teams can analyze network evidence, file systems, memory images, and more.

Core features

  • Provides a stable environment built on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

  • Accommodates a 64-bit architecture to enhance memory utilization and performance

  • Includes various forensic tools, such as The Sleuth Kit, Volatility, Rekall, and Plaso/Log2Timeline

  • Enables seamless deployment in virtualized environments through a pre-built virtual machine (VM) appliance

ProsCons
Open-source and customizable without licensing costsComplex for beginners
Built on Ubuntu and is accessible to Linux usersResource-intensive when running multiple forensic tools
Equipped with an extensive range of pre-installed forensic toolsCan be deployed in cloud environments, though not cloud-native

Incident management and case collaboration tools

These tools provide a centralized platform where security teams can maintain clear communication and documentation during an incident.

TheHive

Figure: 2 TheHIve default dashboard (Source: StrangeBee)

TheHive assists security operations center (SOC) IR teams by providing a collaborative environment to track incidents, share information, and automate workflows.

Core features

  • Creates, manages, and tracks security events to facilitate organized incident response

  • Integrates with different threat intelligence platforms and analysis tools, supplementing incident data and streamlining workflows

  • Supports collaboration between multiple users so teams can share notes and assign tasks while working on real-time incidents

  • Customizes templates for incident reports and tasks, standardizing documentation and efficient case handling

ProsCons
Open-source and supported by the communityIntroduces potential failure points through complex integrations
Features a scalable architecture that can handle a large number of cases and users simultaneouslyComplicates initial configuration with intricate setup procedures
Offers an intuitive web interface for consistent case management and navigationDemands significant time investment from new users

IRIS (Incident Response Information Sharing)

The collaborative platform IRIS supports incident responders by helping them quickly share important technical information during investigations. As it's designed to streamline and organize the incident response process, security teams can collaborate effectively while managing alerts, cases, and evidence.

Core features

  • Organizes alerts into cases for detailed incident tracking and management from detection to resolution

  • Helps incident responders collaborate in real time, sharing insights and updates during an active investigation

  • Integrates with external tools like VirusTotal and MISP, enriching data and enhancing investigative capabilities

  • Provides a full-featured API for programmatic investigation management, allowing for automation and integration with existing workflows

  • Receives alerts from various sources, e.g., security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and triages, comments on, and links to cases

  • Offers comprehensive reporting capabilities to document incidents for compliance and post-incident reviews

ProsCons
Open-source and customizable without licensing costsDeploys quickly through Docker but demands technical expertise for initial configuration
Features a flexible and modular architecture, enabling customization for unique requirementsLacks advanced features standard in mature platforms
Operates as a centralized platform for sharing information and tracking progress, encouraging teamwork among incident respondersExperiences performance issues at scale, especially with numerous integrations

Security monitoring and threat detection tools

IR tools in this category serve as the first line of defense by quickly identifying and analyzing potential security events. They offer a range of functionalities, including SIEM systems, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and extended detection and response (XDR). Here, we have oneopen-source option. 

Graylog

Figure 3: Graylog SIEM (Source: Graylog)

Graylog is a powerful tool used by security teams to centralize log data collection, analysis, and monitoring. This SIEM solution helps enterprises efficiently manage, analyze, and visualize machine-generated data from disparate sources, as well as trigger alerts.

Core features

  • Collects logs from diverse sources, e.g., applications, network devices, and servers, and centralizes data for management and analysis

  • Searches through logs using simplified query language to access relevant information quickly

  • Builds customizable dashboards with various widgets to visualize log data, trends, and key metrics

  • Categorizes and routes incoming messages in real time for efficient log data organization and prioritization

ProsCons
Open-source with active community supportTakes users time to become familiar with features and functionalities and be able to create custom queries or dashboards
Features an intuitive user interface that simplifies log analysis and managementSends logs to Graylog through configured inputs, as it cannot read from syslog files directly
Enables scalability and customization to fit organizational needs with its flexible architectureBecomes time-intensive and complex to manage and maintain a Graylog environment as a business scales and data volumes grow

System querying and monitoring tools

IR solutions for system querying and monitoring offer deep visibility into system states, processes, and artifacts during investigations. They provide immediate access to endpoint data and support proactive threat hunting and reactive incident response through highly customizable querying capabilities and automated data collection. Here, again, we present one top option.

Osquery

Osquery isn’t a fully fledged OSS IR tool but plays a critical role in providing detailed visibility into operating system states. Because Osquery treats the operating system as a high-performance relational database, users can quickly extract and analyze data about installed software, network connections, system processes, and more.

Core features

  • Interacts with the underlying system to extract data from the operating system by writing SQL queries

  • Uses an interactive query console to allow ad-hoc queries and prototype queries, and explores the current state of the OS

  • Works on leading operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD

  • Configures and runs specific queries at set intervals to maintain ongoing visibility into system health and security

  • Integrates with logging and monitoring tools like Splunk or ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for enhanced data analysis and visualization

  • Supports tailor-made extensions through a plugin architecture, allowing users to add new tables or functionalities tailored to their specific needs

ProsCons
Writes SQL-like queries to extract detailed information from the operating systemRequires a complex setup and configuration
Compatible with leading operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and multiple Linux distributionsLacks advanced reporting features compared to commercial SIEM solutions, potentially impeding compliance efforts
Features a vibrant community for support, knowledge sharing, and development contributionsGenerates real-time insights into system activities through its daemon mode (osqueryd) and executes scheduled queries continuously

How to choose the right IR tool

Companies must consider various factors before they commit to an IR tool to make sure it aligns with their organizational requirements. 

Seamless integration

An IR tool must seamlessly integrate with existing threat intelligence platforms, communication systems, and other security tools and measures. 

Effective integration ensures: 

  • Streamlined workflows

  • Consistent data flow with minimal human intervention

  • Increased incident detection and remediation speed

  • A holistic view to improve risk assessment and incident management across an organization

  • Improved tracking of incidents from detection to resolution, creating a culture of accountability while providing learning opportunities

Integration also helps eliminate potential silos within an organization, enabling seamless access to all relevant information. This enhances shared responsibility and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Cloud-native capabilities

For organizations running workloads in the cloud, it's crucial to choose IR tools that are cloud-native or offer robust support for cloud platforms. Cloud-native IR tools provide advantages such as:

  • Scalability: Tools designed for the cloud can easily scale as your cloud infrastructure grows, ensuring they can handle larger amounts of data and more complex environments.

  • Visibility: In the cloud, visibility into assets and incidents can be more challenging. IR tools must provide deep insight into cloud infrastructure, including real-time monitoring of cloud workloads and storage systems.

  • API Integration: Cloud-native IR tools should easily integrate with your cloud provider's APIs (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) to enhance detection, incident containment, and forensics across the cloud stack.

When choosing an IR tool, organizations need to prioritize tools that have built-in integrations with cloud platforms and can respond to incidents in multi-cloud or hybrid environments.

Scalability

As your business grows and systems expand, your IR tool must be able to handle increasing user numbers, data volumes, and security events without impacting overall performance. When tools can't scale, you are left with bottlenecks that delay incident response.

Customization and collaboration

Every organization has its own team structures, operational requirements, and unique workflows. The security IR tool must be able to adapt,, with customizable alert rules, escalation policies, and reporting capabilities. Budgets, existing skill sets, and onboarding time are all additional key factors in the decision-making process. 

A robust IR plan often requires different teams to collaborate. Features like collaborative dashboards, integrated chat, and virtual "war rooms" are all important during an active security event. 

Automation and support

Automating routine tasks, including ticket creation and escalation, will minimize human error and reduce response time. This also allows security teams to focus on complex tasks without wasting time and resources on repetitive tasks. Community or vendor support is critical to help security teams use the tool effectively. 

How Wiz enhances cloud incident response

While open-source incident response (IR) tools provide valuable functionality, they often lack the depth needed to fully address the unique challenges of modern cloud environments. This is where Wiz Defend comes in. 

As part of Wiz’s Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), Wiz Defend goes beyond traditional tools by providing full cloud-native visibility, real-time threat detection, and automated incident response across your entire cloud stack—from code to runtime. 

By integrating Wiz Defend into your security strategy, organizations can effectively manage cloud incidents and ensure complete protection throughout the lifecycle of cloud-native applications.

Real-Time Cloud Threat Detection

Wiz Defend offers real-time detection of threats across your entire cloud infrastructure, including workloads, identities, data, and configurations. Unlike traditional OSS IR tools that may focus on endpoint detection or log collection, Wiz Defend provides continuous visibility into cloud-native services, automatically detecting anomalies, suspicious activity, and misconfigurations across multi-cloud environments.

Key capabilities include:

  • Deep visibility into cloud workloads and services, enabling immediate detection of vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential breaches.

  • Cloud-native detections for cloud-specific attack vectors, such as identity compromise, privilege escalation, and insecure APIs.

  • Correlation of security events across different cloud services to identify patterns that may signal a breach or misconfiguration.

This cloud-native approach complements OSS tools, which may not provide as deep a level of visibility or detection for cloud-specific threats.

Unified Incident Response with Cloud-Native Context

Wiz Defend enhances incident response by providing a unified view of cloud security risks, allowing your team to prioritize and respond to threats more effectively. Unlike traditional incident response tools, Wiz Defend focuses on cloud-centric insights, including:

  • Context-aware alerts that help you understand the full scope of a threat, including the associated cloud resource, workload, identity, and network context.

  • Comprehensive risk mapping that highlights where critical vulnerabilities intersect with business-critical assets, reducing noise and focusing the IR team’s efforts on high-impact issues.

Automated Remediation and Containment

A critical aspect of incident response is not just detection but rapid containment and remediation. Wiz Defend offers automated workflows that streamline the remediation of security incidents, enabling your teams to respond faster without manual intervention. Key features include:

  • Automated incident response actions: Wiz Defend can trigger automated containment actions, such as isolating affected systems, suspending compromised cloud workloads, or revoking access to exposed cloud identities. This helps contain threats immediately before they spread, preventing lateral movement within the cloud.

  • Remediation guidance: Wiz provides detailed remediation recommendations, directly integrated into your cloud workflows. This helps teams resolve vulnerabilities faster and ensures consistency across cloud environments.

By automating these critical tasks, Wiz Defend reduces incident response time and minimizes the impact of security events.

Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) for Enhanced Forensics

When a security incident occurs, forensic investigation is key to understanding the scope and root cause of the issue. Wiz’s CDR capabilities enhance your incident response efforts by providing deep forensics into cloud workloads:

  • Forensic snapshots: Wiz Defend can take forensic snapshots of cloud workloads at the time of an incident, preserving critical evidence for further analysis.

  • Historical analysis: Gain visibility into past events and configurations across your cloud environment, enabling your team to investigate incidents that may have developed over time or were initially undetected by OSS IR tools.

  • Comprehensive audit logs: Wiz Defend maintains detailed audit logs of security incidents, helping security teams track activity and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

These capabilities empower incident responders to perform in-depth investigations and make informed decisions on remediation, helping supplement traditional OSS forensic tools.

To learn more, explore Wiz docs (login needed). Or watch Wiz in action via a live demo today. 

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