Quick Answer
The answer is physical extraction because it is the only forensic acquisition method that captures a bit-for-bit copy of the entire flash memory, including unallocated space where deleted SQLite records for Android apps reside. Unlike logical or file-system extractions, which skip unallocated blocks and only retrieve active files, physical extraction reads raw NAND or eMMC blocks directly, bypassing Android’s sandboxing to recover deleted rows from tables like 'accounts', 'transactions', and 'settings'. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of acquisition depth versus speed—a common trap is choosing logical extraction for its simplicity, but that misses deleted data entirely. Remember the mnemonic "Physical Preserves Permanently" to recall that only physical methods recover deleted SQLite records from protected app directories.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 security analyst notices that a compromised Android device's /data/data/com.example.app/databases/ directory contains a database with tables named 'accounts', 'transactions', and 'settings'. Which type of forensic acquisition would be MOST appropriate to capture this app-specific data while preserving deleted records?
Physical extraction
Physical extraction provides a complete bit-for-bit image, including deleted data.
File system extraction
Why wrong: File system extraction may capture some deleted files but not as comprehensively as physical.
Logical extraction via ADB
Why wrong: Logical extraction does not capture deleted data.
Manual extraction via device UI
Why wrong: Manual extraction is limited and not forensically sound.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Physical extraction
Physical extraction creates a bit-for-bit copy of the entire flash memory, including unallocated space and deleted SQLite records that have not been overwritten. This is the only method that can recover deleted rows from the 'accounts', 'transactions', and 'settings' tables because logical and file-system extractions typically skip unallocated blocks. The /data/data/com.example.app/databases/ directory is protected by Android's sandboxing, but physical acquisition bypasses the OS and reads the raw NAND or eMMC blocks directly.
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.
Physical extraction
Why this is correct
Physical extraction provides a complete bit-for-bit image, including deleted data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
File system extraction
Why it's wrong here
File system extraction may capture some deleted files but not as comprehensively as physical.
Logical extraction via ADB
Why it's wrong here
Logical extraction does not capture deleted data.
Manual extraction via device UI
Why it's wrong here
Manual extraction is limited and not forensically sound.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that file system extraction (Option B) can recover deleted app data, but candidates forget that file system extraction only sees allocated files and does not capture unallocated space where deleted SQLite records persist.
Detailed technical explanation
SQLite databases store deleted rows as free pages marked with a delete flag; physical imaging reads these pages before they are reclaimed by the SQLite VACUUM command or overwritten by new writes. On Android devices with FDE (Full Disk Encryption) or FBE (File-Based Encryption), physical extraction may require bypassing the lock screen or using JTAG/chip-off techniques, but once the raw image is obtained, tools like SQLite Forensic Toolkit can carve deleted records from the database file's free 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: Physical extraction — Physical extraction creates a bit-for-bit copy of the entire flash memory, including unallocated space and deleted SQLite records that have not been overwritten. This is the only method that can recover deleted rows from the 'accounts', 'transactions', and 'settings' tables because logical and file-system extractions typically skip unallocated blocks. The /data/data/com.example.app/databases/ directory is protected by Android's sandboxing, but physical acquisition bypasses the OS and reads the raw NAND or eMMC blocks directly.
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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