Quick Answer
The answer is call_history.db. This SQLite database file is the correct choice because iOS stores all call history records—including incoming, outgoing, and missed calls—in a structured SQLite format, with tables like 'call' and 'ZCALLRECORD' that log timestamps, durations, and phone numbers. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to locate and extract call logs from an iTunes backup or physical device extraction, often appearing in the mobile forensics domain. A common trap is confusing call_history.db with other iOS databases like sms.db or AddressBook.sqlitedb, so remember that call logs are isolated in this specific file. For newer iOS versions, the database may be named CallHistory.storedata, but the core forensic principle remains the same. Memory tip: think "call history = call_history.db" to avoid mixing it with SMS or contact databases.
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.
During an iOS forensics investigation, an examiner wants to extract call history records from an iPhone backup. Which SQLite database file should be examined?
SMS.db
Why wrong: SMS.db stores SMS and iMessage conversations.
AddressBook.db
Why wrong: AddressBook.db stores contacts, not call history.
call_history.db
call_history.db contains call records.
Calendar.sqlitedb
Why wrong: Calendar.sqlitedb stores calendar events.
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, call history records are stored in the SQLite database file named 'call_history.db' (or 'CallHistory.storedata' in newer iOS versions). This database contains tables such as 'call' and 'ZCALLRECORD' that log incoming, outgoing, and missed calls along with timestamps and durations. Examining this file directly from an iTunes backup or device extraction provides the examiner with the complete call log.
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.
SMS.db
Why it's wrong here
SMS.db stores SMS and iMessage conversations.
AddressBook.db
Why it's wrong here
AddressBook.db stores contacts, not call history.
call_history.db
Why this is correct
call_history.db contains call records.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Calendar.sqlitedb
Why it's wrong here
Calendar.sqlitedb stores calendar events.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the specific naming of iOS forensic artifacts; the trap here is that candidates confuse 'SMS.db' (which stores messages) with call logs, or assume call history is stored in a more generic database like 'AddressBook.db'.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, iOS uses a Core Data framework for call history, and the database schema includes fields like 'date' (Unix timestamp), 'duration', 'flags' (to indicate call type), and 'address' (normalized phone number). In iOS 10 and later, the database is often named 'CallHistory.storedata' and may be encrypted or protected by NSFileProtectionComplete, requiring the user's passcode or a forensic bypass tool to access. A real-world scenario: an examiner might correlate call timestamps from call_history.db with location data from other artifacts to reconstruct a suspect's movements.
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.
Mobile and Malware Forensics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Mobile and Malware Forensics practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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, call history records are stored in the SQLite database file named 'call_history.db' (or 'CallHistory.storedata' in newer iOS versions). This database contains tables such as 'call' and 'ZCALLRECORD' that log incoming, outgoing, and missed calls along with timestamps and durations. Examining this file directly from an iTunes backup or device extraction provides the examiner with the complete call log.
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.
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 →
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.
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.