This method is particularly useful in situations where other methods of data extraction are ineffective, such as when a device is password protected or uses encryption, or when logical or physical access to data is not possible without bypassing security systems.

Key features of data extraction through exploits

1. Exploiting vulnerabilities in the system: Exploits are based on finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications. These vulnerabilities may be known in advance or discovered during system analysis.
2. Gaining unauthorized access: Exploits bypass standard security measures such as password protection, lockdowns, and encryption. This can give access to complete device data, including files, applications, system logs, and even encrypted data.
3. Application to different types of devices: This method can be applied to mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) as well as computers, and various smart devices that use firmware or operating systems.
4. Risk of data corruption: The use of exploits can lead to unstable operation of the device or partial data loss, as this method often exploits vulnerabilities that can disrupt the normal functioning of the system.

The process of extracting data through exploits

1. Vulnerability Identification: The first step is to look for known vulnerabilities in the system. These can be vulnerabilities in the operating system (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows), applications, or firmware (firmware).
2. Develop or select an exploit: Once the vulnerability has been identified, a suitable exploit must be developed or selected that can exploit the vulnerability found to access device data. It is important that the exploit is tailored to the specific operating system and device version.
3. Exploit application: The exploit runs on the device, exploiting the vulnerability to gain unauthorized access. Depending on the type of exploit, this could be local code execution, downloading malicious code, or manipulating the device's file system.
4. Data Extraction: Once the exploit is successful, the technician gains access to the device's file system, applications, system logs, and other data. At this stage, the data is extracted using standard forensic techniques.
5. Data Analysis: The extracted data is thoroughly analyzed. This may include recovering deleted data, investigating user activity, identifying system events, and more.

Examples of vulnerabilities used for data mining

1. Zero-day vulnerabilities: These are vulnerabilities that have not yet been publicly disclosed or patched by developers. They are particularly valuable to forensic investigators because they allow access to systems before the vulnerability is patched.
2. Privileged vulnerabilities: Some vulnerabilities allow privileged access to a system (e.g. root access or administrative rights), which gives full access to all data on the device.
3. Firmware exploits: Firmware vulnerabilities can be used to bypass built-in defenses such as data encryption or hardware boot locks.
4. Buffer Overflows: Some exploits use buffer overflows to execute arbitrary code on the system, allowing criminals to bypass defenses and gain access to data.

Examples of exploits for mobile devices

1. Jailbreak (iOS): Jailbreaking is the process of using exploits to remove restrictions on iOS devices (iPhone, iPad). This allows you to access the device's file system, install unsigned apps, and bypass system restrictions. Examples of jailbreak tools: Checkra1n, Unc0ver, Electra.
2. Rooting (Android): Root access on Android is granted through exploits that remove system restrictions and grant full access to the device's file system. Rooting tools such as Magisk and KingRoot exploit vulnerabilities to gain administrative access.
3. Cellebrite and GrayKey: These commercial digital forensic software use closed-source exploits to bypass lockdowns on iOS and Android devices. For example, GrayKey is able to unlock password-protected iPhones using exploits.

Benefits of extracting data through exploits

1. Access encrypted or protected data: Exploits allow you to bypass security mechanisms such as encryption or password locks and gain access to data that cannot be extracted by other methods.
2. Wide range of applications: This technique can be used to extract data from various types of devices, including cell phones, computers, tablets, and even specialized devices with firmware (e.g., smart watches or cars).
3. Ability to extract data from “locked” devices: Exploits are useful in situations where other methods such as logical or physical extraction fail due to high levels of device security.

Disadvantages of extracting data via exploits

1. Risk of data or device corruption: Exploits can cause system instability or even device failure, which can complicate further data analysis.
2. Dependency on specific vulnerabilities: Exploits only work if there is a vulnerability in the system. If the vulnerability is patched or the device is using the latest version of software, the exploit may be useless.
3. Ethical and legal considerations: Using exploits to extract data may face legal restrictions as it is a form of unauthorized access. It may require judicial authorization or a court order.
4. Complexity of development and application: Developing and applying exploits requires high technical expertise and constant updating due to vendor vulnerability closures.

Methods to protect against exploits

1. Regular software updates: One of the best ways to protect against exploits is to install up-to-date software updates that patch known vulnerabilities.
2. Use encryption: Strong data encryption at the file system or application level makes it difficult for exploits to gain access to critical data.
3. Activating multi-factor authentication (MFA): Utilizing additional layers of protection such as MFA makes it difficult for exploits to gain access to a device or accounts.
4. Antivirus and security software: Some antivirus programs can detect and block known exploits, preventing them from being used to compromise a system.

Software tools for extracting data through exploits

1. Cellebrite UFED: One of the most popular commercial mobile data extraction tools that uses exploits to gain access to protected data.
2. GrayKey: A tool known for its ability to unlock and extract data from iPhones using closed-source exploits.
3. Chimera and Checkra1n: These tools were used to jailbreaking iOS devices to gain full access to the file system and extract data.
4. Magisk: A tool for rooting Android devices that exploits vulnerabilities to gain root access and then extract data.

                Putting data extraction through exploits into practice

Secure Device Analysis: Exploits are particularly useful in situations where devices are protected by password, encryption or other security measures and data cannot be accessed using traditional methods.

Cybercrime Investigations: In cases where you need to access data on compromised devices or devices that have been involved in criminal activity, exploits can allow you to retrieve hidden or encrypted data.

Bypassing corporate device lockdowns: Exploits can also be used to gain access to devices owned by companies or organizations when data needs to be accessed as part of an internal investigation or audit.

Conclusion

Data extraction through exploits is a powerful digital forensics technique that allows access to secure data and file systems of devices by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or hardware. This method requires high technical knowledge and an accurate understanding of the device and its security system, but in some cases it is the only way to access data that cannot be extracted by other methods.