200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An analyst is examining a suspicious file that appears to be a PDF but when checking the magic bytes at offset 0, sees '50 4B 03 04'. What does this indicate?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The file is a ZIP archive
The magic bytes 50 4B 03 04 correspond to a ZIP archive (PK is the signature). This suggests the file is actually a ZIP file disguised with a PDF extension, possibly containing malicious content.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The file is a genuine PDF file
Why it's wrong here
PDF magic bytes are 25 50 44 46.
- ✗
The file is a plain text file
Why it's wrong here
Text files have no fixed magic bytes.
- ✓
The file is a ZIP archive
Why this is correct
PK signature indicates ZIP.
- ✗
The file is an executable
Why it's wrong here
Executable magic bytes are MZ (4D 5A).
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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