The answer is /data/data/<package_name>/ and /sdcard/Android/data/<package_name>/. These two locations are correct because Android’s application sandboxing stores private app data—such as databases, shared preferences, and cache—in the internal /data/data/ directory, which is only accessible with root privileges or via a backup, while external storage under /sdcard/Android/data/ holds app-specific files that are world-readable but still scoped to the app’s package. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of Android file system forensics and the distinction between sandboxed internal storage and external storage that may survive a factory reset. A common trap is confusing /sdcard/Android/obb/ (for expansion files) with /sdcard/Android/data/ (for runtime data). Remember the mnemonic: “Internal is private, external is public—both are package-named.”
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 examiner is analyzing an Android device for potential evidence of a specific app’s data. Which TWO locations within the device’s file system would MOST likely contain application-specific data?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
/data/data/<package_name>/
Option A is correct because `/data/data/<package_name>/` is the primary internal storage directory for an Android app's private data, including databases, shared preferences, and cached files. This directory is sandboxed per app and requires root access or a backup to read, making it a key forensic target for application-specific evidence.
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.
✓
/data/data/<package_name>/
Why this is correct
This directory contains private app data, databases, and shared preferences.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
/recovery/
Why it's wrong here
The recovery partition is for system recovery and does not hold app data.
✗
/ (root directory)
Why it's wrong here
Root directory does not contain app-specific data.
✓
/sdcard/Android/data/<package_name>/
Why this is correct
This is the external storage directory for app-specific data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
/system/app/
Why it's wrong here
System apps are stored here, but not user app data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that `/system/app/` contains user app data, when in fact it only holds pre-installed APK files, not runtime or user-generated data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Android uses Linux UID-based sandboxing: each app's `/data/data/<package_name>/` directory is owned by the app's UID, preventing other apps from accessing it without root. The `/sdcard/Android/data/<package_name>/` directory is on the external storage (emulated or physical SD card) and is world-readable but often contains app-specific caches and media files; forensic examiners must check both locations because apps may store sensitive data in either, depending on developer choices and Android API levels.
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: /data/data/<package_name>/ — Option A is correct because `/data/data/<package_name>/` is the primary internal storage directory for an Android app's private data, including databases, shared preferences, and cached files. This directory is sandboxed per app and requires root access or a backup to read, making it a key forensic target for application-specific evidence.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which Android file system location is MOST likely to contain user-installed app data, preferences, and cached information?
easy
A./vendor/
✓ B./data/data/
C./system/
D./mnt/sdcard/
Why B: The /data/data/ directory on Android devices stores application-specific data for user-installed apps, including preferences (shared preferences XML files), databases, and cached information. This location is part of the internal storage partition and is sandboxed per app, ensuring that each app can only access its own data directory. It is the primary repository for runtime app data, making it the most relevant for forensic analysis of user-installed app artifacts.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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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.
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