Forensic Recovery via Chip-Transplantation in Samsung Smartphones: A Game Changer in Mobile Forensics
Organized by: International Forensic Scientist Awards
Website: forensicscientist.org
13th Edition of Forensic Scientist Awards 28-29 August 2025 | Berlin Germany
In today’s digital world, mobile devices hold an incredible amount of sensitive information, making smartphones a prime target for forensic investigations. However, as mobile forensic technology advances, so do anti-forensic measures—like deliberate smartphone destruction and enhanced data encryption by manufacturers. This creates unique challenges for forensic analysts tasked with recovering crucial data from damaged devices.
One innovative solution gaining traction is chip-transplantation, a method that involves transplanting the data storage and decryption components from a damaged smartphone to a fully functional, compatible device of the same model. This approach allows forensic experts to bypass some of the limitations of software-based recovery methods, especially when the phone is physically damaged or locked.
What Is Chip-Transplantation?
Chip-transplantation includes procedures like "chip-off," where memory chips are physically removed from the damaged device’s circuit board and transferred onto a donor device. This process is delicate and risky — it requires a deep understanding of the smartphone’s hardware architecture to avoid data corruption or loss.
When it comes to Samsung’s premium smartphones, the task becomes even more complex due to the integrated Application Processor (AP) and embedded Secure Element (eSE) modules that handle encryption and security. Our recent research shows that successful data recovery via chip-transplantation must include not just the flash memory and AP, but also the eSE module. This holds true regardless of user password settings, emphasizing how crucial the eSE is in the decryption process.
Overcoming Hardware Challenges
One of the biggest obstacles in chip-transplantation is the limited knowledge about the physical structure and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) placement of the eSE module. To address this, our study provides detailed information on eSE terminal points, their locations on the PCB, and critical jump points that allow bypassing damaged PCB pins. This insight equips forensic professionals with the tools needed to successfully perform chip-transplantation even in challenging cases where PCB damage has occurred.
Conclusion
Chip-transplantation is a critical advancement in mobile forensic recovery, especially for Samsung smartphones equipped with sophisticated encryption modules like the eSE. This technique allows forensic experts to extract valuable data from severely damaged devices that traditional methods cannot access. By understanding the intricate hardware layout and employing novel diagnostic methods, the success rate of chip-transplantation can be significantly improved.
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