The answer is static analysis using strings and PEiD, because this safe, non-execution-based method is always the first step in malware analysis. By examining the file’s strings, digital signatures, and PE headers without running it, you can quickly spot suspicious indicators—like a mismatched signature or unusual imports—while avoiding the risk of infection. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of the malware analysis workflow, where static analysis precedes dynamic analysis; a common trap is jumping to sandbox execution or debugging, which can be dangerous and premature. Remember the mnemonic “S.A.F.E.”—Static Analysis First, Execute Later—to anchor the correct sequence.
CEH Practice Question: Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of malware, social engineering and network attacks. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security team discovers a file named 'svchost.exe' in a user's Temp folder. The file is signed by 'Microsoft Corporation' but the digital signature validation fails. Which analysis method should be used FIRST to determine if it's malicious?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Static analysis using strings and PEiD
Static analysis (e.g., examining strings, digital signatures, PE headers) is the first step because it is safe and can quickly identify suspicious indicators without executing the file.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Upload to VirusTotal
Why it's wrong here
VirusTotal is a form of static analysis (hash lookup) but it's not the first step; plus it may leak sensitive data.
✗
Dynamic analysis in a sandbox
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic analysis is useful after static analysis, but the first step is usually static to avoid risk.
✓
Static analysis using strings and PEiD
Why this is correct
Correct. Static analysis can reveal suspicious strings, packed executables, or invalid signatures without execution.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Run the file on a production system to observe behavior
Why it's wrong here
Running a potentially malicious file on production is dangerous.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CEH NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — This question tests Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Static analysis using strings and PEiD — Static analysis (e.g., examining strings, digital signatures, PE headers) is the first step because it is safe and can quickly identify suspicious indicators without executing the file.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CEH NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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