Unified Logs
Apple's unified logging framework stores structured system, security, and application events in compressed .tracev3 files for roughly 30 days of retention.
Where to find it
Default filesystem paths and registry locations. Collect these with your preferred live-response or disk-image tooling.
- $/private/var/db/diagnostics/
- $/private/var/db/uuidtext/
Forensic significance
Common scenarios in which this artifact becomes decisive evidence.
- Detecting persistence via LaunchDaemons/LaunchAgents
- Tracing process spawn chains
- Login/logout events for user-session alibi work
- SSH / Screen Sharing lateral movement
MITRE ATT&CK mapping
Techniques this artifact can help detect or substantiate. Click a technique to view the official MITRE entry.
Tools that parse it
unJaena AI and other DFIR tools commonly used to extract evidence from this artifact.
Related artifacts
TCC Database
Transparency, Consent, and Control SQLite database recording which applications were granted access to camera, microphone, contacts, photos, screen recording, and full-disk access.
KnowledgeC.db
CoreDuet database that logs per-user application focus, device lock/unlock, USB attach, battery, Bluetooth pairing, and Siri events — a macOS/iOS timeline goldmine.
RecentDocs
Explorer tracks recently opened files per extension in HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RecentDocs, including files on removed storage.
FSEvents
Per-volume filesystem change journal. Records creation, deletion, rename, and ownership changes for every file — the macOS analogue of USN journal.
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