Volatility is an advanced open source memory forensics framework. The primary tool within the framework is the Volatility Python script, which utilizes a wide array of plugins to perform the analysis of memory images. As a result, Volatility can be run on any operating system that supports Python. In addition, Volatility can be utilized against memory image files from most of the commonly distributed operating systems, including Windows for Windows XP to Windows Server 2016, macOS, and finally, common Linux distributions.

There is a range of plugins available for Volatility with more being developed. For the purposes of examining system memory, several plugins will be examined to ensure that the responder has sufficient information to conduct a proper analysis. It is recommended though that, prior to using Volatility, the analyst ensures that software is up to date and that any new plugins are explored to determine their applicability to the current incident investigation.