· Milav

Mobile Forensics

Mobile Device Investigation and Evidence Extraction

What is Mobile Forensics?

Mobile Forensics: The process of recovering digital evidence from mobile devices using scientifically accepted methods while maintaining the integrity and admissibility of the evidence.

Data Extraction: Retrieving information from mobile devices
Evidence Analysis: Examining communications, apps, and user activity
Timeline Reconstruction: Building chronological event sequences
Legal Compliance: Maintaining forensic soundness

Mobile Device Types

Smartphones

iPhone (iOS)
Android devices
Windows Phone
BlackBerry devices

Tablets

iPad
Android tablets
Windows tablets
Other tablet platforms

Wearables

Apple Watch
Android Wear
Fitness trackers
Smart jewelry

IoT Devices

Smart home devices
Connected vehicles
Medical devices
Industrial IoT

Mobile Forensics Process

Investigation Phases:

Seizure: Secure device and prevent remote wiping
Isolation: Block network communications
Documentation: Record device state and condition
Acquisition: Extract data using appropriate methods
Examination: Process and organize extracted data
Analysis: Interpret findings and correlate evidence
Reporting: Document results and conclusions

Data Acquisition Methods

Extraction Levels:

Physical Extraction: Bit-by-bit copy of entire device storage
Logical Extraction: File system level data extraction
Manual Extraction: User interface interaction and screenshots
Advanced Logical: Bypasses certain logical restrictions

Extraction Comparison: Physical: Complete data, deleted files, unallocated space Logical: Active data, file system structure Manual: Visible user interface data only Advanced Logical: Enhanced logical with deeper access

iOS Forensics

iOS Challenges:

Hardware Encryption: Secure Enclave and hardware security
Code Signing: Prevents unauthorized software execution
Sandboxing: Apps isolated from each other
Jailbreak Detection: Anti-tampering mechanisms
Screen Lock: Passcode and biometric protection

iOS Data Sources:

iTunes backups (encrypted/unencrypted)
iCloud backups and synchronization
Keychain data (passwords, certificates)
Application data and databases
System logs and crash reports

Android Forensics

Android Advantages:

Open Source: More accessible for analysis
Developer Options: USB debugging access
Root Access: Potentially achievable
Varied Implementations: Different manufacturer customizations

Android Data Locations:

/data/data/: Application data directories
/sdcard/: External storage and user files
/system/: System files and configuration
SQLite databases: App-specific data storage
Shared preferences: App settings and preferences

Mobile Device Security

iOS Security Features

Secure Boot Chain
Touch ID / Face ID
Hardware encryption
App Store sandboxing

Android Security

Verified Boot
SELinux policies
Hardware-backed Keystore
Google Play Protect

Security Bypass Considerations:

Legal authorization requirements
Technical feasibility assessment
Evidence integrity concerns
Alternative data source exploration

Mobile Forensic Tools

Commercial Tools

Cellebrite UFED
Oxygen Forensic Suite
MSAB XRY
Magnet AXIOM Mobile

Open Source Tools

Autopsy Mobile Forensics
ALEAPP (Android)
iLEAPP (iOS)
MVT (Mobile Verification Toolkit)

Command Line Tools: • adb (Android Debug Bridge) • fastboot (Android bootloader interface) • ideviceinstaller (iOS device management) • sqlite3 (Database examination) • strings (Text extraction)

Application Analysis

App Forensics: Examining mobile applications to understand user activity, data storage, and communication patterns.

App Data Sources:

SQLite Databases: Structured data storage
Property Lists: Configuration and preferences
Cache Files: Temporary data and media
Log Files: Application activity records
Keychain Items: Stored credentials and tokens

Popular Apps Analysis:

WhatsApp: Messages, media, contacts
Facebook: Posts, messages, location data
Instagram: Photos, stories, direct messages
Snapchat: Messages, location data
Email apps: Messages, attachments, accounts

Communication Analysis

Communication Types:

SMS/MMS: Traditional text messaging
Instant Messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal
Email: Various email client applications
Voice Calls: Call logs and VoIP applications
Video Calls: FaceTime, Skype, Zoom history

Communication Metadata: • Timestamps (sent, received, read) • Participant information • Message status and delivery receipts • File attachments and media • Location data (if shared) • Group membership and management

Location and Tracking Data

Location Data Sources:

GPS Coordinates: Precise location tracking
Cell Tower Data: Network-based positioning
WiFi Access Points: Location triangulation
Application Data: App-specific location logs
Photo EXIF Data: Geotagged images

Location Analysis:

Timeline reconstruction of movements
Frequent location identification
Route analysis and travel patterns
Geofence event correlation
Cross-device location matching

Cloud and Synchronization

Cloud Forensics: Investigating data stored in cloud services and synchronized across multiple devices.

Cloud Services

iCloud (iOS devices)
Google Account (Android)
Microsoft OneDrive
Dropbox, Box

Synchronized Data

Contacts and calendars
Photos and videos
App data and settings
Browsing history

Cloud Investigation Approaches:

Legal process for cloud service providers
Account credential recovery
Device backup analysis
Sync token and authentication analysis

Deleted Data Recovery

Recovery Techniques:

SQLite Journal Files: Database transaction logs
Unallocated Space: File system unused areas
Cache Files: Temporary data storage
Memory Dumps: Volatile data capture
Backup Analysis: Historical data states

SQLite Recovery Commands: sqlite3 database.db ".dump" sqlite3 database.db-wal ".dump" sqlite3 database.db-shm ".dump" -- View deleted records SELECT * FROM table_name WHERE rowid NOT IN (SELECT rowid FROM table_name);

Mobile Malware Analysis

Mobile Threats:

Malicious Apps: Trojanized applications
Spyware: Surveillance software
Banking Trojans: Financial fraud malware
Ransomware: Device encryption attacks
Adware: Unwanted advertising software

Malware Investigation:

App package analysis (APK/IPA)
Permission and capability review
Network communication analysis
Data exfiltration detection
Command and control identification

Legal and Privacy Considerations

Legal Framework:

Search Warrants: Legal authority requirements
Privacy Expectations: Personal device protections
Cloud Data Access: Service provider cooperation
International Issues: Cross-border data access
Employee Devices: BYOD and corporate policies

Best Practices:

Obtain proper legal authorization
Document device condition and state
Use forensically sound methods
Maintain chain of custody
Protect sensitive personal information

Challenges in Mobile Forensics

Technical Challenges:

Device Diversity: Multiple platforms and models
Rapid Innovation: Frequent OS and security updates
Encryption: Strong device and data encryption
Cloud Integration: Distributed data storage
Anti-Forensics: Deliberate evidence destruction

Operational Challenges:

Tool licensing and maintenance costs
Training and expertise requirements
Time-sensitive evidence collection
International cooperation needs
Privacy and legal compliance

Mobile Network Forensics

Network Analysis: Examining mobile device network communications and carrier data records.

Network Data Sources:

Call Detail Records (CDR): Voice and data session logs
Location Records: Cell tower association data
Internet Usage: Data session information
Roaming Data: International network usage
Emergency Services: 911/emergency call data

CDR Information: • Call start/end times • Calling and called numbers • Cell tower locations • Call duration and type • SMS message metadata • Data session volumes

Timeline and Correlation Analysis

Timeline Sources:

System Events: Device startup, shutdown, unlocks
Application Usage: App launches and activities
Communication Events: Messages, calls, emails
Location Data: Movement and position changes
Media Creation: Photo and video timestamps

Correlation Techniques:

Cross-device data correlation
Multi-source timeline integration
Pattern recognition and analysis
Behavioral profiling
Anomaly detection

Reporting and Documentation

Report Components:

Executive Summary: High-level findings
Device Information: Make, model, OS version
Acquisition Details: Methods and tools used
Data Analysis: Findings and interpretations
Timeline: Chronological event sequence
Appendices: Screenshots and supporting data

Documentation Standards:

Detailed methodology documentation
Chain of custody records
Tool validation and verification
Quality assurance procedures
Expert qualification documentation

Future of Mobile Forensics

Emerging Trends:

5G Networks: Enhanced mobile capabilities and complexity
Edge Computing: Distributed processing and storage
AI Integration: Machine learning in mobile devices
Quantum Security: Quantum-resistant cryptography
IoT Expansion: More connected devices and data sources

Tool Evolution:

Cloud-based forensic platforms
Automated analysis and reporting
AI-powered data correlation
Real-time device monitoring
Cross-platform investigation tools

Key Takeaways

Critical Points:

Multi-Platform Expertise: iOS, Android, and emerging platforms
Tool Proficiency: Commercial and open-source forensic tools
Legal Compliance: Understanding privacy and warrant requirements
Evidence Integrity: Maintaining forensic soundness throughout
Continuous Learning: Keeping pace with mobile technology evolution

Mobile Forensics Excellence: Combine technical expertise, proper legal authorization, and systematic methodology to effectively investigate mobile devices and extract valuable digital evidence while maintaining integrity and admissibility.