CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
An analyst is investigating a potential data breach on an Android device. Which TWO artefacts are MOST useful for determining which third-party apps were installed and used? (Select TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The CHFI exam often tests the misconception that a full system dump (dd image) is the most useful artefact for app analysis, when in reality the structured packages.xml and /data/data/ directory provide more direct and actionable evidence.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
packages.xml file in /data/system/
The packages.xml file in /data/system/ records all installed packages, including third-party apps, their permissions, and installation metadata. The /data/data/ directory contains per-package subdirectories with application-specific data, confirming actual usage and stored data. Together, these two artefacts provide definitive evidence of which third-party apps were installed and used on the device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Full system dump (dd image)
Why it's wrong here
A full system dump is broad but not specific to app installation; it contains many files.
- ✓
packages.xml file in /data/system/
Why this is correct
This file lists all installed packages (apps) on the device.
- ✗
Wi-Fi connection logs
Why it's wrong here
Wi-Fi logs show network connections, not app usage.
- ✓
/data/data/ directory listing
Why this is correct
Each installed app has a folder under /data/data/; presence indicates installation and usage.
- ✗
SMS database (mmssms.db)
Why it's wrong here
SMS database contains messages, not app installation info.
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About these practice questions
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.