The answer is the packages.xml file and the /data/data/ directory listing. These two artefacts are most useful for determining which third-party apps were installed and used on an Android device because packages.xml, stored in /data/system/, records every installed package along with its permissions and installation metadata, while the /data/data/ directory contains per-package subdirectories that hold application-specific data, confirming actual usage and stored information. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between system-level installation records and user-level application data, a common trap being that analysts might mistakenly rely on the /data/app directory, which only shows APK files without usage evidence. A solid memory tip is to think of packages.xml as the “guest list” of who was invited (installed) and /data/data as the “party evidence” of who actually showed up and left traces.
CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
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.)
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.
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.
✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SMS database (mmssms.db)
Why it's wrong here
SMS database contains messages, not app installation info.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco 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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Wi-Fi logs show network connections, not app usage.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The packages.xml file is parsed by the PackageManagerService at boot and contains a <package> element for each installed app, including the installer package name, firstInstallTime, lastUpdateTime, and granted permissions. The /data/data/ directory is the default location for each app's private data storage (e.g., databases, shared preferences, cache), and its presence indicates the app has been launched at least once. In Android 10+, scoped storage limits access to /data/data/ without root, but forensic tools can still acquire it via ADB backup or physical acquisition.
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: 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.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.