This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Android forensic examiner performs a physical acquisition on a device. Which TWO of the following are typical artefacts that can be recovered from the /data/data/ directory on a non-rooted device if the acquisition method allows full file system access?
Bootloader configuration
Why wrong: Bootloader config is in a separate partition.
Recovery mode logs
Why wrong: Recovery logs are stored elsewhere.
Kernel logs
Why wrong: Kernel logs are typically not in /data/data/.
App-specific SQLite databases
App databases (e.g., for WhatsApp, Facebook) are stored here.
Shared preferences XML files
Shared preferences are stored as XML in app directories.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
App-specific SQLite databases
On a non-rooted Android device, the /data/data/ directory contains application-specific data, including SQLite databases and Shared Preferences XML files. These are typical artefacts because apps store structured data (e.g., user credentials, chat logs) in SQLite databases and configuration settings in Shared Preferences XML files. A physical acquisition with full file system access can recover these files even without root, as the acquisition method bypasses normal permission restrictions.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Bootloader configuration
Why it's wrong here
Bootloader config is in a separate partition.
Recovery mode logs
Why it's wrong here
Recovery logs are stored elsewhere.
Kernel logs
Why it's wrong here
Kernel logs are typically not in /data/data/.
App-specific SQLite databases
Why this is correct
App databases (e.g., for WhatsApp, Facebook) are stored here.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Shared preferences XML files
Why this is correct
Shared preferences are stored as XML in app directories.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the misconception that /data/data/ is inaccessible on non-rooted devices, but a physical acquisition with full file system access (e.g., via JTAG or chip-off) can read the raw NAND flash, allowing recovery of app data regardless of root status.
Detailed technical explanation
The /data/data/ directory is a per-app sandboxed storage area created by the Android Package Manager, with each app having a subdirectory named after its package name (e.g., com.whatsapp). SQLite databases within this directory often use Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) and rollback journals, which can contain deleted or uncommitted data. In a real-world scenario, recovering a deleted WhatsApp chat database from /data/data/com.whatsapp/databases/ can reveal messages not visible through logical acquisition, as physical acquisition captures the raw file system blocks.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: App-specific SQLite databases — On a non-rooted Android device, the /data/data/ directory contains application-specific data, including SQLite databases and Shared Preferences XML files. These are typical artefacts because apps store structured data (e.g., user credentials, chat logs) in SQLite databases and configuration settings in Shared Preferences XML files. A physical acquisition with full file system access can recover these files even without root, as the acquisition method bypasses normal permission restrictions.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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