Which tool should a forensic analyst use for analyzing a memory dump related to running processes during an investigation?

In the context of forensic analysis, particularly for examining a memory dump related to running processes, Volatility is the appropriate tool due to its specialized capabilities in memory analysis. Volatility is an open-source framework designed specifically for the task of analyzing the contents of RAM. It enables forensic analysts to extract vital information from memory images, including details about running processes, network connections, and system calls at the time the memory was captured.

This tool uses various plugins to interpret the raw memory data, providing insights into the system's state, which is essential during a forensic investigation. By using Volatility, analysts can reconstruct the state of a machine, understand what applications were running, identify malicious activity, and gather evidence that is critical for legal and security purposes.

The other options don’t fit the specific needs of memory analysis. Statically linked libraries are components used in software development, Aircrack-ng is primarily focused on wireless network security, and Exiftool is used for metadata extraction in files, none of which are suitable for analyzing memory dumps or running processes. Therefore, Volatility stands out as the best choice for memory analysis in forensic contexts.