Quick Answer
The answer is `call_history.db`, the SQLite database file that stores all incoming, outgoing, and missed calls on an iOS device. This database is the authoritative source for call log evidence because it resides in the root domain under `/private/var/mobile/Library/CallHistoryDB/` and contains tables like `call` and `call_history`, which record each call’s direction, duration, timestamp, and associated contact identifier. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to identify the correct forensic artifact for telephony data, often appearing alongside traps that point to `AddressBook.sqlitedb` or `SMS.db` for similar metadata. A common memory tip is to think “C for Call, C for Call_history.db” — the file name literally mirrors its purpose, making it easy to recall under pressure.
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.
In iOS forensics, which database file typically contains the call history, including incoming, outgoing, and missed calls?
Notes.db
Why wrong: Notes.db stores notes, not calls.
call_history.db
Correct database for call records.
AddressBook.db
Why wrong: AddressBook.db stores contacts.
SMS.db
Why wrong: SMS.db stores text messages.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
call_history.db
In iOS forensics, the call history (incoming, outgoing, and missed calls) is stored in the SQLite database file named `call_history.db`. This database is located within the root domain of the iOS file system (typically under `/private/var/mobile/Library/CallHistoryDB/`) and contains tables such as `call` and `call_history` that record each call's direction, duration, timestamp, and associated contact identifier. The CHFI exam specifically tests this file as the authoritative source for call log evidence.
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.
Notes.db
Why it's wrong here
Notes.db stores notes, not calls.
call_history.db
Why this is correct
Correct database for call records.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AddressBook.db
Why it's wrong here
AddressBook.db stores contacts.
SMS.db
Why it's wrong here
SMS.db stores text messages.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the misconception that `AddressBook.db` or `SMS.db` might contain call logs because they store contact names and message threads, but the trap is that call history is stored in a separate, dedicated database (`call_history.db`) that is not linked to the address book or SMS databases.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `call_history.db` uses SQLite with a schema that includes the `call` table, which has columns like `ROWID`, `address`, `date`, `duration`, `flags` (indicating call type: incoming, outgoing, missed), and `country_code`. A subtle behavior is that iOS may periodically purge call records older than a configurable retention period (often 1000 entries or 30 days), but deleted records can sometimes be recovered from the database's unallocated space or WAL (Write-Ahead Log) files. In a real-world forensic investigation, examiners must also check the `call_history.db`-shm and `call_history.db`-wal files for deleted or uncommitted call records.
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
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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: call_history.db — In iOS forensics, the call history (incoming, outgoing, and missed calls) is stored in the SQLite database file named `call_history.db`. This database is located within the root domain of the iOS file system (typically under `/private/var/mobile/Library/CallHistoryDB/`) and contains tables such as `call` and `call_history` that record each call's direction, duration, timestamp, and associated contact identifier. The CHFI exam specifically tests this file as the authoritative source for call log evidence.
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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