Mobile Forensics

ForensicsFree Lesson

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Mobile Forensics

iOS/Android forensics, data extraction, evidence collection, and analysis.

Overview

Mobile forensics extracts evidence from mobile devices.

Extraction Types

TypeMethodData
ManualUser interactionLimited
LogicalBackup extractionModerate
File systemRoot accessExtensive
PhysicalChip-offComplete

Tools

ToolPlatformType
Cellebrite UFEDBothPhysical
GrayKeyiOSPhysical
AutopsyBothLogical
Magnet AXIOMBothAll

Android Forensics

# ADB backup
adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab

# Extract data
java -jar abe.jar unpack backup.ab backup.tar

# Analyze
tar -xf backup.tar
ls -la apps/com.package/

iOS Forensics

# iTunes backup location (Windows)
dir %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

# iTunes backup location (Mac)
ls ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/Backup/

# Extract keychain
python3 keychain_dumper.py

Evidence Locations

Android

Architecture Diagram
/data/data/com.package/  → App data
/sdcard/DCIM/            → Photos
/sdcard/Download/        → Downloads
/data/system/users/      → User accounts

iOS

Architecture Diagram
/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/  → App data
/var/mobile/Media/DCIM/                    → Photos
/var/mobile/Library/SMS/                   → Messages

Analysis Checklist

## Mobile Forensics Checklist
- [ ] Extract data safely
- [ ] Document chain of custody
- [ ] Analyze app data
- [ ] Review communications
- [ ] Check location data
- [ ] Extract deleted data

Practice

Extract and analyze data from a mobile device backup.

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