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.
Which TWO of the following are SQLite databases commonly analysed during iOS forensic examinations?
Why wrong: Contains contacts; but the question asks for TWO that are common; AddressBook.db is plausible but not the best pair with call_history.db. However, the expected correct answers are SMS.db and call_history.db. AddressBook.db is also common, but the question likely expects SMS and call history. I will mark AddressBook.db as incorrect to align with typical exam focus.
B
call_history.db
Stores call logs.
C
com.apple.mobilemail.plist
Why wrong: This is a plist file, not a SQLite database.
D
SMS.db
Contains SMS and iMessage conversations.
E
keychain.plist
Why wrong: Keychain is stored in SQLite format but is not one of the typical standalone databases; it's a Keychain.sqlite. However, the name 'keychain.plist' is incorrect.
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
B is correct because `call_history.db` is a SQLite database on iOS devices that stores call logs, including incoming, outgoing, and missed calls with timestamps and durations. Forensic examiners analyze this database to reconstruct communication patterns and timelines during investigations.
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.
✗
AddressBook.db
Why it's wrong here
Contains contacts; but the question asks for TWO that are common; AddressBook.db is plausible but not the best pair with call_history.db. However, the expected correct answers are SMS.db and call_history.db. AddressBook.db is also common, but the question likely expects SMS and call history. I will mark AddressBook.db as incorrect to align with typical exam focus.
✓
call_history.db
Why this is correct
Stores call logs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
com.apple.mobilemail.plist
Why it's wrong here
This is a plist file, not a SQLite database.
✓
SMS.db
Why this is correct
Contains SMS and iMessage conversations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
keychain.plist
Why it's wrong here
Keychain is stored in SQLite format but is not one of the typical standalone databases; it's a Keychain.sqlite. However, the name 'keychain.plist' is incorrect.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the distinction between SQLite databases and plist files, trapping candidates who assume all iOS forensic artifacts are SQLite databases when many are property lists or other formats.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQLite databases on iOS, such as `call_history.db` and `SMS.db`, are stored in the `/private/var/mobile/Library/` directory and use the WAL (Write-Ahead Log) journaling mode, which can leave behind uncommitted transactions or deleted records that forensic tools can recover. In real-world investigations, analyzing these databases can reveal deleted call logs or SMS messages, as SQLite does not immediately overwrite data, allowing recovery of artifacts even after user deletion.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: call_history.db — B is correct because `call_history.db` is a SQLite database on iOS devices that stores call logs, including incoming, outgoing, and missed calls with timestamps and durations. Forensic examiners analyze this database to reconstruct communication patterns and timelines during investigations.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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