Summary

The Android Forensics module provides an in-depth exploration of the essential tools and techniques for forensic analysis and data recovery on Android devices. This course builds on foundational knowledge from previous learning and equips students with advanced methods to navigate and overcome operating system restrictions. Students will learn about the risks and concerns associated with Android forensics, including legal considerations and the potential for data corruption. The module also delves into practical approaches for recovering lost or deleted data, offering students hands-on experience in tackling real-world forensic challenges.

In this module, we will cover:

Introduction to the fundamental tools and methodologies used in Android forensics, including the setup of forensic environments and understanding the risks and legal implications.
Detailed exploration of rooting processes, benefits for forensic analysis, and demonstrations of various rooting techniques to gain deeper access to Android systems.
Managing root access through applications like SuperSU and Magisk, focusing on their roles in maintaining the integrity and security of rooted devices.
Utilizing the Android Logs, Events, and Protobuf parser to extract, parse, and analyze various types of data from Android devices efficiently.
Hands-on training with the Autopsy forensic suite, focusing on features such as data carving, timeline analysis, and recovery of deleted files to gather critical evidence.
Techniques for extracting and analyzing backup files to recover user data and system settings, providing insights into device usage and user behavior.

This module is broken down into sections with accompanying hands-on exercises to practice each of the tactics and techniques we cover. As you work through the module, you will see example commands and command output for the various topics introduced. It is worth reproducing as many of these examples as possible to reinforce further the concepts introduced in each section. You can do this in the target host provided in the interactive sections or your own virtual machine.

You can start and stop the module at any time and pick up where you left off. There is no time limit or "grading," but you must complete all of the exercises and the skills assessment to receive the maximum number of cubes and have this module marked as complete in any paths you have chosen.

The module is classified as "Medium" but assumes a working knowledge of the Linux command line and an understanding of information security fundamentals.

Having completed the modules listed below is sufficient for successfully completing this module:

Android Fundamentals

Tools and Methodologies

Mobile devices are integral to modern life, holding vast amounts of personal and professional data. Android devices dominate the global market, making Android forensics a crucial skill for digital investigators. Android digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that involves the recovery and investigation of data found in Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This field has grown significantly with the growth of mobile technology, becoming crucial for solving crimes, conducting corporate investigations, and resolving legal matters. Forensic experts analyze data from Android devices to uncover evidence that can be crucial in various contexts, from theft to cybercrime. The unique challenges in mobile forensics, such as device diversity, encryption, and the volatility of data, require specialized knowledge and tools.

Prerequisites

Before starting to explore the Android forensic methodologies, certain prerequisites must be met to conduct effective and efficient analyses.

Prerequisite	Description
`Rooted Devices`	Full system access is often required to perform deep forensic analysis. Rooting devices allows investigators to bypass security measures put in place by manufacturers and access all areas of the device's file system.
`Data Acquisition`	This is the process of extracting data from the device. It must be done carefully to ensure data integrity and to prevent any modifications during the extraction process.
`Selecting the Right Tools`	A variety of software tools are essential for mobile forensics. These range from commercial forensic suites to custom scripts that assist in automating data extraction and analysis processes.

Steps and Methodologies

The methodology of Android forensics typically follows several key steps.

Step	Description
`Root Access`	Rooting the device to gain complete access to all data. This step is essential to bypass security restrictions and ensure no data is overlooked during the forensic analysis.
`Acquisition`	Extracting data from the device while maintaining its integrity and preventing any alterations.
`Analysis`	Examining the data to identify relevant information.
`Reporting`	Documenting the findings and the process in a clear, detailed, and reproducible manner.

Tools

A variety of tools are employed in Android digital forensics, each suited for different aspects of the forensic process.

Tool	Description
`ADB (Android Debug Bridge)`	A versatile command-line tool that allows communication with a connected Android device for various development and debugging tasks.
`RootAVD (GitHub project)`	An open-source project on GitHub that facilitates rooting Android Virtual Devices (AVDs) for enhanced testing and development flexibility.
`Magisk`	A tool for rooting Android devices that also allows for modifications without altering the system partition, enabling systemless rooting.
`SuperSU`	An application that manages root permissions for apps on rooted Android devices, providing control over which apps have access to elevated privileges.
`ALEAPP (Android Logs, Events, and Protobuf Parser)`	A tool designed to parse through Android logs, events, and Protobuf files to aid in forensic investigations.
`Autopsy`	A comprehensive digital forensics platform that analyzes all types of mobile devices, known for its ability to recover deleted files and investigate digital media.

Concerns

Several concerns must be addressed in Android digital forensics:

Concern	Description
`Data Loss`	There is always a risk of losing data during the forensic process, especially if proper procedures are not followed. This can compromise the investigation and the utility of the extracted data as evidence.
`Legal Concerns`	Legal implications are significant in Android forensics. Forensic analysts must ensure compliance with laws regarding privacy, data protection, and lawful search and seizure. It is critical to maintain a clear chain of custody and to document every step of the forensic process to uphold the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings.

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Relevant Paths

This module progresses you towards the following Paths

Android Application Pentesting

The Android Application Pentesting Skill Path is a hands-on program covering Android fundamentals, security architecture, static and dynamic analysis, malware investigation, penetration testing automation, and digital forensics. Learners use tools like MobSF, Frida, Objection, ALEAPP, and Autopsy to practice rooting devices, bypassing security, and recovering data. Through module exercises and assessments, they build expertise in identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating threats, and performing professional forensic investigations on Android devices.

Hard

73 Sections

Required: 2510

Reward: +510

6 Modules included

Android Fundamentals

Fundamental

20 Sections

Reward: +10

This module introduces fundamental concepts of the Android environment, focusing on the operating system, its security features, and the structure of applications. It provides students with details about the different styles of application development and familiarizes them with their development environment. This module also explains how apps communicate in the Android environment, highlighting why this is critical information for their security. Students are also introduced to setting up a testing environment to prepare for the Application Penetration Testing process.

Android Application Static Analysis

Medium

15 Sections

Reward: +100

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the static analysis of Android applications—an essential skill for mobile security professionals, reverse engineers, and penetration testers. You’ll gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques used to deconstruct APK files, analyze application code, and uncover vulnerabilities. From reversing native libraries to bypassing authentication and root detection mechanisms, you’ll be prepared to tackle increasingly advanced challenges in Android security testing.

Android Application Dynamic Analysis

Medium

16 Sections

Reward: +100

This module focuses on the real-time analysis and manipulation of Android applications to uncover vulnerabilities that arise during execution. By examining how apps behave at runtime, you'll learn to identify weaknesses that static analysis may overlook and explore techniques to intercept, modify, and monitor application behavior. Through hands-on exercises and practical examples, this module equips you with the skills needed to perform effective dynamic assessments of Android apps.

Android Application Malware Analysis

Mini-Module

Hard

7 Sections

Reward: +100

This module offers a hands-on introduction to the world of Android malware analysis. It covers common malware types, the ways they abuse system permissions, and the techniques used to avoid detection. Students will also explore advanced tactics such as embedded stack-based virtual machines and the theft of two-factor authentication tokens. By the end of the course, students will be adept at identifying malicious apps and reverse-engineering their behavior.

Android Penetration Testing Automation

Mini-Module

Medium

8 Sections

Reward: +100 NEW

One of the Android platform's biggest strengths is its rich and versatile set of tools, especially when it comes to automating the security testing process. From analyzing source code to observing how apps behave at runtime, Android supports a wide range of open-source solutions that help testers scale their work, reduce manual errors, and simulate real-world attack scenarios. This course takes a practical look at these tools, showing you not just their capabilities, but how they can be integrated into your existing workflow.

Android Forensics

Mini-Module

Medium

7 Sections

Reward: +100 NEW

The Android Forensics module teaches students evidence recovery, system investigation, and data analysis on Android devices. It covers rooting, secure root access, data extraction, and forensic suites like Autopsy, preparing students for real-world scenarios.