CEH Practice Question: Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks
A security analyst discovers a file named invoice.exe in an email attachment. Static analysis with PEiD indicates the file is packed with UPX. What is the BEST next step in analyzing this malware?
⚠ Common exam trap
EC-CEH often tests the misconception that static analysis can be performed on packed binaries without unpacking, or that immediate deletion or submission to VirusTotal is the best response, ignoring the need for evidence preservation and thorough analysis.
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
✓
Unpack the file with UPX and then perform static analysis
B is correct because UPX-packed executables cannot be properly analyzed statically; the code is compressed and obfuscated. Unpacking with the UPX tool restores the original binary, enabling accurate static analysis of imports, strings, and structure. This step is essential before any dynamic analysis or submission to sandboxes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Execute the packed file on a production server
Why it's wrong here
This is dangerous; isolate in sandbox.
- ✓
Unpack the file with UPX and then perform static analysis
Why this is correct
Unpacking reveals the original code for static analysis.
- ✗
Submit the packed file directly to VirusTotal
Why it's wrong here
Packed files may evade signature detection; unpacking is recommended.
- ✗
Delete the file immediately
Why it's wrong here
Analysis is needed to understand the threat.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 870 original CEH practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CEH exam.