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Cellebrite’s forensic tools, particularly the Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED), are widely used in digital forensics to extract, analyze, and recover data from various devices. Here’s a deep dive into its capabilities and how cybersecurity professionals can leverage similar techniques.
1. Extract Data from Locked or Damaged Devices
Cellebrite UFED can bypass locks and encryption on smartphones, even if the device is damaged.
You Should Know:
- Use `adb backup` (Android) or `libimobiledevice` (iOS) for forensic extraction on unlocked devices.
- For damaged storage, `ddrescue` in Linux can recover raw disk data:
sudo ddrescue /dev/sdX /path/to/output/image.img /path/to/logfile.log
2. Recover Deleted Messages, Call Logs, and Photos
Cellebrite recovers deleted data from unallocated storage space.
You Should Know:
- Use `foremost` or `scalpel` to recover deleted files:
foremost -i image.dd -o /recovered_files/
- For SQLite databases (common in apps like WhatsApp), use `sqlite3` to query deleted records:
sqlite3 WhatsApp.db "SELECT FROM messages WHERE deleted=1;"
3. Clone an Entire Phone (Forensic Imaging)
Cellebrite creates a bit-by-bit copy of a device.
You Should Know:
- In Linux, use `dc3dd` for forensic imaging:
dc3dd if=/dev/sdX hash=md5 log=forensic_log.txt of=image.raw
- Verify integrity with
md5sum:md5sum image.raw
- Extract Data from Encrypted Apps (WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram)
Cellebrite can sometimes bypass app encryption.
You Should Know:
- On rooted Android, extract `/data/data/com.whatsapp` for WhatsApp forensic analysis.
- Use `frida` for runtime hooking to intercept decrypted data:
frida -U -l script.js -f com.whatsapp
5. Track Locations Without GPS
Cellebrite analyzes Wi-Fi and cell tower logs.
You Should Know:
- Parse `/data/data/com.google.android.gms/databases` for location history.
- Use `Wireshark` to analyze network pings for geolocation clues.
6. Detect Hidden & Encrypted Files (Steganography)
Cellebrite finds hidden data in images.
You Should Know:
- Use `steghide` to detect steganography:
steghide extract -sf suspect_image.jpg
- For encrypted files, try `john` (John the Ripper) for brute-force attacks:
john --format=zip encrypted_file.zip
7. Create Digital Activity Timelines
Cellebrite reconstructs user activity.
You Should Know:
- Use `log2timeline` (Plaso) for timeline generation:
log2timeline.py timeline.plaso /path/to/evidence
8. Extract Data from IoT Devices & Drones
Cellebrite supports IoT forensics.
You Should Know:
- For drone forensics, analyze `DJI_.dat` flight logs with
dji_decode.
9. Uncover Burner Phones & Alternate Accounts
Cellebrite cross-references device data.
You Should Know:
- Use `SIM Clone` detection via
AT commands:atcmd +CRSM
10. Reveal Hidden Social Media Activity
Cellebrite extracts deleted social media logs.
You Should Know:
- Use `Elcomsoft Social Media Explorer` for browser-based recovery.
What Undercode Say
Cellebrite’s capabilities highlight the importance of secure data deletion and device encryption. For cybersecurity professionals, mastering forensic tools like Autopsy, Sleuth Kit, and Volatility is crucial. Always use:
– `shred` for secure file deletion:
shred -u -z -n 10 sensitive_file.txt
– `LUKS` for full-disk encryption:
cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sdX
– `Signal` or `PGP` for truly private communications.
Expected Output:
A forensic report containing extracted data, recovery logs, and timeline analysis.
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Elormkdaniel Here – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
