The correct answer is that ADB extraction requires the device to be authorized to the computer. This is because ADB (Android Debug Bridge) operates over a USB connection using a client-server protocol that only activates when USB debugging is enabled in Developer Options; without this setting, the device ignores all ADB commands, making forensic extraction impossible. On the CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of the foundational prerequisites for mobile forensic acquisition—a common trap is assuming that physical access alone is sufficient, when in fact the device must also present and accept an RSA key fingerprint authorization prompt on its screen. Remember the mnemonic “D.A.A.”: Debugging enabled, Authorization granted, ADB active—all three are non-negotiable for a successful extraction.
CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A forensic analyst is examining an Android device using ADB extraction. Which TWO statements about ADB extraction are true?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ADB extraction requires USB debugging to be enabled on the device
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) extraction requires USB debugging to be enabled on the device because ADB operates over a USB connection using the Android Debug Bridge protocol, which is only active when USB debugging is turned on in Developer Options. Without this setting, the device will not respond to ADB commands, making extraction impossible. This is a fundamental prerequisite for any ADB-based forensic acquisition.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
ADB extraction requires USB debugging to be enabled on the device
Why this is correct
USB debugging must be enabled for ADB to communicate with the device.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
ADB extraction allows full file system access without root
Why it's wrong here
ADB has limited access; full file system typically requires root.
✗
ADB extraction can acquire a physical image of the device
Why it's wrong here
ADB does not provide physical imaging; it is a logical extraction method.
✗
ADB extraction can recover deleted files from unallocated space
Why it's wrong here
ADB is a logical method and typically cannot recover deleted data from unallocated space.
✓
ADB extraction requires the device to be authorized to the computer
Why this is correct
The device must trust the computer's RSA key for ADB access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that ADB extraction provides full file system or physical access, but the trap is that ADB is a logical extraction method with significant privilege restrictions, and candidates confuse 'ADB backup' or 'ADB pull' with physical imaging capabilities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ADB uses a client-server architecture where the ADB daemon (adbd) on the device communicates over USB or TCP/IP. When USB debugging is enabled, adbd runs with shell-level privileges, limiting access to world-readable paths. For deeper forensic acquisition, tools like 'adb backup' can extract app data but only if the app allows backup, and 'adb root' requires a rooted device. In real-world investigations, ADB extraction is often a first step to capture user data (e.g., call logs, SMS, app data) before attempting more invasive methods.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ADB extraction requires USB debugging to be enabled on the device — ADB (Android Debug Bridge) extraction requires USB debugging to be enabled on the device because ADB operates over a USB connection using the Android Debug Bridge protocol, which is only active when USB debugging is turned on in Developer Options. Without this setting, the device will not respond to ADB commands, making extraction impossible. This is a fundamental prerequisite for any ADB-based forensic acquisition.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This CHFI practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CHFI exam.
Question Discussion
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