Capturing Memory Image of Compromised EC2 Linux Instance
During an incident response, a security engineer needs to capture a memory image of a compromised Amazon EC2 instance running Linux. The instance is in a production Auto Scaling group. Which approach is BEST?
Quick Answer
The answer is to detach the instance from the Auto Scaling group, isolate it by changing security groups, and use AWS Systems Manager Run Command to execute a memory acquisition tool. This approach is correct because it preserves volatile memory evidence by preventing the Auto Scaling group from automatically terminating or replacing the compromised instance during the investigation, while the security group change isolates network traffic to avoid further compromise. Systems Manager Run Command then allows you to run a memory acquisition tool like LiME or AVML without shutting down the instance, which would destroy the memory image. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of incident response procedures for compromised EC2 Linux systems, specifically the need to capture a memory image before any shutdown or reboot. A common trap is choosing to take a snapshot or terminate the instance, which loses volatile data. Memory tip: think "Detach, Isolate, Capture" — the three steps to preserve the memory image of a compromised EC2 Linux instance.
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse disk forensics (EBS snapshots) with memory forensics, assuming a snapshot captures RAM, or they prioritize immediate containment (termination) over evidence preservation, which violates the core incident response principle of 'preserve before remediate'.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Detach the instance from the Auto Scaling group, isolate it by changing security groups, and use AWS Systems Manager Run Command to execute a memory acquisition tool.
It preserves the volatile memory evidence by detaching the instance from the Auto Scaling group (preventing replacement) and isolating it via security group changes, then using AWS Systems Manager Run Command to execute a memory acquisition tool like LiME or AVML. This approach captures the memory image without shutting down the instance, which would destroy the evidence, and avoids the risk of the Auto Scaling group automatically terminating or replacing the instance during the investigation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use AWS CloudFormation to create a new stack with a forensic instance and copy the compromised instance's data.
Why it's wrong here
Does not capture memory.
- ✗
Terminate the instance immediately to prevent further damage and launch a replacement.
Why it's wrong here
Destroys volatile evidence.
- ✓
Detach the instance from the Auto Scaling group, isolate it by changing security groups, and use AWS Systems Manager Run Command to execute a memory acquisition tool.
Why this is correct
Preserves memory and allows forensic collection.
- ✗
Take a snapshot of the EBS volumes and attach them to a forensic instance to analyze memory.
Why it's wrong here
EBS snapshots do not capture memory.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on SCS-C02
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a security incident, a forensic investigator needs to capture the memory of a running EC2 instance without shutting it down. Which AWS feature should be used?
medium- A.Amazon CloudWatch agent
- ✓ B.EC2 Rescue for Linux or Systems Manager Run Command with a memory dump script
- C.AWS CloudTrail
- D.Amazon EBS snapshot
Why B: EC2 Rescue for Linux (via Systems Manager Run Command) includes a built-in script that can capture a full memory dump from a running EC2 instance without requiring a shutdown. This is essential for forensic analysis to preserve volatile data like running processes, network connections, and kernel structures. The script leverages the Linux 'vmcore' or 'LiME' (Linux Memory Extractor) tool to safely extract memory contents while the instance remains operational.
Variation 2. During an incident response, a security team needs to capture a memory dump of an Amazon EC2 instance running Linux. What is the recommended approach?
medium- ✓ A.Use AWS Systems Manager Run Command to run a script that extracts memory using LiME.
- B.Use Amazon Inspector to collect memory dumps.
- C.Stop the instance and create an EBS snapshot for memory analysis.
- D.Use the EC2 console to take a screenshot and capture memory from the hypervisor.
Why A: AWS Systems Manager Run Command allows you to execute a script on a running EC2 instance without needing SSH access, and LiME (Linux Memory Extractor) is a trusted tool for capturing volatile memory. This approach preserves the memory state for forensic analysis while maintaining the instance's running state, which is critical for incident response.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SCS-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SCS-C02 exam.