Quick Answer
The answer is call logs, text messages, and voicemail data. This is correct because an iTunes backup of an iOS device stores these artifacts in SQLite databases such as Call_history.db for call logs and SMS.db for text messages, both located within the backup’s AppDomain group for com.apple.mobileSMS and com.apple.mobilephone, allowing forensic examiners to extract and parse timestamps, sender/receiver details, and message content. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of iOS backup structure and common recoverable artifacts, often appearing as a multiple-choice trap where candidates confuse app-specific data with system-level logs—remember that voicemail data is stored separately in the Voicemail folder, not in SMS.db. A useful memory tip is “Calls, Chats, and Voicemails” to recall the three core artifacts recoverable from an iTunes backup.
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.
Which THREE artefacts are typically recoverable from an iOS iTunes backup?
RAM dump of running processes
Why wrong: RAM dumps are not included in iTunes backups; they require live acquisition.
SMS.db containing text messages
SMS.db is included in iTunes backups.
AddressBook.db containing contacts
AddressBook.db is included in backups.
Call_history.db containing call logs
Call_history.db is backed up.
iCloud Keychain items
Why wrong: iCloud Keychain items are not stored in iTunes backups due to encryption.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SMS.db containing text messages
Option B is correct because an iTunes backup of an iOS device includes the SQLite database file SMS.db, which stores all text messages (iMessages and SMS). This file is located in the backup's AppDomain group for com.apple.mobileSMS and can be extracted and parsed to recover message content, timestamps, and sender/receiver information.
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.
RAM dump of running processes
Why it's wrong here
RAM dumps are not included in iTunes backups; they require live acquisition.
SMS.db containing text messages
Why this is correct
SMS.db is included in iTunes backups.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AddressBook.db containing contacts
Why this is correct
AddressBook.db is included in backups.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Call_history.db containing call logs
Why this is correct
Call_history.db is backed up.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
iCloud Keychain items
Why it's wrong here
iCloud Keychain items are not stored in iTunes backups due to encryption.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between what is stored in a local iTunes backup versus cloud-based or volatile artifacts, leading candidates to incorrectly include iCloud Keychain items or RAM data as recoverable from a backup.
Detailed technical explanation
iTunes backups are stored in a proprietary format (MBDB or Manifest.db) that contains SQLite databases and property list files for each app's sandboxed data. The SMS.db file uses SQLite with tables like 'message', 'chat', and 'handle' to store messages, and the backup also includes the AddressBook.sqlitedb for contacts and CallHistory.storedata for call logs, all of which are recoverable via forensic tools like Cellebrite or ALEAPP. A real-world scenario: during a fraud investigation, an examiner can extract SMS.db from an iTunes backup to recover deleted messages, as the database retains entries until overwritten by new data.
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: SMS.db containing text messages — Option B is correct because an iTunes backup of an iOS device includes the SQLite database file SMS.db, which stores all text messages (iMessages and SMS). This file is located in the backup's AppDomain group for com.apple.mobileSMS and can be extracted and parsed to recover message content, timestamps, and sender/receiver information.
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 24, 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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