In this challenge, the primary artifact provided was a Registry Hive file. To begin my analysis, I employed RegRipper, a widely-used tool for extracting and analyzing key information from Windows registry files.

After RegRipper completed its scan, I focused on identifying executable files, particularly searching for any potentially suspicious entries. During this search, I discovered a significant entry: DeadPotato-NET4.exe, located within the registry path:

ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\AppCompatCache.

The AppCompatCache registry key logs details about executable files that have been run on the system, including their execution timestamps. The file DeadPotato-NET4.exe was executed on 09/08/2024 at 22:42:13, which provided the necessary timestamp for the challenge.

The flag for this challenge was:

BHFlagY{DeadPotato-NET4.exe_09/08/2024_22:42:13}

This challenge emphasizes the significance of registry forensics in detecting and investigating suspicious activities on a system. By utilizing tools like RegRipper, it is possible to efficiently extract crucial evidence from registry hives to aid in forensic investigations.