Mobile Forensics

Mobile Device Investigation and Evidence Extraction

Mobile Forensics Process

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:

  1. Seizure: Secure device and prevent remote wiping
  2. Isolation: Block network communications
  3. Documentation: Record device state and condition
  4. Acquisition: Extract data using appropriate methods
  5. Examination: Process and organize extracted data
  6. Analysis: Interpret findings and correlate evidence
  7. 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.