SQL-based access to operating-system information through tables. Table availability and behavior differ by platform, permissions, event configuration, and release.
Is this a current-state observation or a retained event record?
A query over current processes or files usually describes what was visible when queried. It does not establish that an item was absent throughout an earlier incident period. Event-oriented tables have their own collection configuration and retention behavior, which must be documented separately.
Preserve a reproducible analysis
Record the exact query, table definitions or documentation version, endpoint identity, query time with offset, permissions, configuration, and returned rows. Keep errors and unavailable-table results distinct from successful empty results. Document the live nature of the observation.
A useful validation question
Test the table and query under matching platform and permission conditions. Include a known present object, a known absent object, and an inaccessible condition. A query with valid SQL syntax can still ask the wrong evidentiary question.
Project and applicability record
- Purpose
- Live endpoint state queries
- Input
- Operating-system tables and configured event sources
- Analysis platform
- Cross-platform; verify requirements for the selected release and feature.
- License / cost
- Inspect the exact upstream license and component notices; the API returns Other. Public source access is not a blanket license statement. Upstream source and license files
- Maintenance observation
- Repository not archived; recorded upstream push 2026-10-22T15:51:12Z. Activity does not guarantee support.
- Exact version tested here
- None. Documentation and repository metadata checks only.
Original sources and next steps
- Official osquery documentation
Producer documentation; select the release relevant to your analysis.
- osquery/osquery
Original upstream source repository.
- Release history and changes
Upstream release availability is separate from local validation.
- Plan a bounded validation study
Check the feature and input format that support the conclusion.
- Verify the input and derivatives
Keep analysis outputs traceable to preserved sources.