Skip to main content
Presentation
Positive Identification of LSB Image Steganography Using Cover Image Comparisons
Annual ADFSL Conference on Digital Forensics, Security and Law
  • Michael Pelosi, East Central University, Ada Oklahoma
  • Nimesh Poudel, East Central University, Ada Oklahoma
  • Pratap Lamichhane, East Central University, Ada Oklahoma
  • Devon Lam, East Central University, Ada Oklahoma
  • Gary Kessler, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach Florida
  • Joshua MacMonagle, Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina
Proposal / Submission Type
Peer Reviewed Paper
Start Date
18-5-2018 9:20 AM
End Date
18-5-2018 9:55 AM
Abstract

In this paper we introduce a new software concept specifically designed to allow the digital forensics professional to clearly identify and attribute instances of LSB image steganography by using the original cover image in side-by-side comparison with a suspected steganographic payload image. The “CounterSteg” software allows detailed analysis and comparison of both the original cover image and any modified image, using sophisticated bit- and color-channel visual depiction graphics. In certain cases, the steganographic software used for message transmission can be identified by the forensic analysis of LSB and other changes in the payload image. The paper demonstrates usage and typical forensic analysis with eight commonly available steganographic programs. Future work will attempt to automate the typical types of analysis and detection. This is important, as currently there is a steep rise in the use of image LSB steganographic techniques to hide the payload code used by malware and viruses, and for the purposes of data exfiltration. This results because of the fact that the hidden code and/or data can more easily bypass virus and malware signature detection in such a manner as being surreptitiously hidden in an otherwise innocuous image file.

Comments

Visit the Panel Session page

Citation Information
Michael Pelosi, Nimesh Poudel, Pratap Lamichhane, Devon Lam, et al.. "Positive Identification of LSB Image Steganography Using Cover Image Comparisons" (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gary_kessler/93/