Analyzing MFT for Deleted File Recovery

Overview

The NTFS Master File Table ($MFT) is the central metadata repository for every file and directory on an NTFS volume. Each file is represented by at least one 1024-byte MFT record containing attributes such as $STANDARD_INFORMATION (timestamps, permissions), $FILE_NAME (name, parent directory, timestamps), and $DATA (file content or cluster run pointers). When a file is deleted, its MFT record is marked as inactive (InUse flag cleared) but the metadata remains until the entry is reallocated by a new file. This persistence makes MFT analysis a primary technique for recovering deleted file evidence, reconstructing file system timelines, and detecting anti-forensic activity such as timestomping.

When to Use

• When investigating security incidents that require analyzing mft for deleted file recovery
• When building detection rules or threat hunting queries for this domain
• When SOC analysts need structured procedures for this analysis type
• When validating security monitoring coverage for related attack techniques

Prerequisites

• Forensic disk image (E01, raw/dd, VMDK, or VHDX format)
• MFTECmd (Eric Zimmerman) or analyzeMFT (Python-based)
• FTK Imager, Arsenal Image Mounter, or similar for image mounting
• Timeline Explorer or Excel for CSV analysis
• Python 3.8+ for custom analysis scripts
• Understanding of NTFS file system internals

MFT Structure and Record Layout

MFT Record Header

Each MFT record begins with the signature "FILE" (0x46494C45) and contains:

Key MFT Attributes

Deleted File Recovery Techniques

Technique 1: MFT Record Analysis with MFTECmd

# Extract $MFT from forensic image using KAPE or FTK Imager
# Parse the $MFT with MFTECmd
MFTECmd.exe -f "C:\Evidence\$MFT" --csv C:\Output --csvf mft_full.csv

# Filter for deleted files (InUse = FALSE) in Timeline Explorer
# Look for entries where InUse column is False

Identifying Deleted Files in CSV Output:

• InUse = False indicates a deleted or reallocated record
• ParentPath shows original file location before deletion
• FileSize shows the original size (may still be recoverable)
• Timestamps in $STANDARD_INFORMATION and $FILE_NAME attributes persist

Technique 2: USN Journal ($UsnJrnl:$J) Analysis

The USN Journal records all changes to files on an NTFS volume, including creation, deletion, rename, and data modification events.

# Parse USN Journal with MFTECmd
MFTECmd.exe -f "C:\Evidence\$J" --csv C:\Output --csvf usn_journal.csv

# Key USN reason codes for deletion evidence:
# USN_REASON_FILE_DELETE     = 0x00000200
# USN_REASON_CLOSE           = 0x80000000
# USN_REASON_RENAME_OLD_NAME = 0x00001000
# USN_REASON_RENAME_NEW_NAME = 0x00002000

Technique 3: $LogFile Transaction Analysis

The $LogFile stores NTFS transaction records that can reveal file operations even after the USN Journal has been cycled.

# Parse $LogFile with LogFileParser
LogFileParser.exe -l "C:\Evidence\$LogFile" -o C:\Output

# Look for REDO and UNDO operations indicating file deletion:
# - DeallocateFileRecordSegment
# - DeleteAttribute
# - UpdateResidentValue (clearing InUse flag)

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