Question 233 of 870
Static Malware Analysis Techniques for CEH
Which THREE of the following are techniques used in static malware analysis? (Select 3)
Quick Answer
The answer is analyzing the file's structure using PEiD, along with inspecting file metadata and searching for suspicious strings. These three are correct because static malware analysis techniques examine the binary without executing it, focusing on embedded clues like headers, compiler signatures, and readable text. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish static analysis from dynamic analysis—a common trap is confusing tools like PEiD (which reads file structure) with dynamic tools like Process Monitor or Wireshark that require execution. Remember that static analysis is like reading a book’s cover and table of contents without opening it, while dynamic analysis is like watching the story unfold. A useful memory tip: static = structure, strings, and signatures; dynamic = debug, monitor, and network.
⚠ Common exam trap
EC-Council often tests the distinction between static and dynamic analysis by presenting runtime monitoring actions (like network capture or registry monitoring) as plausible static techniques, hoping candidates confuse 'examining the file' with 'observing its behavior during execution.'
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
✓
Inspecting file metadata and properties
Inspecting file metadata and properties (Option A) is a static analysis technique because it examines the file's embedded information—such as author, creation date, file version, and digital signatures—without executing the binary. This metadata can reveal the origin, compilation timestamp, or whether the file is signed by a known legitimate publisher, helping to identify suspicious characteristics before runtime.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Inspecting file metadata and properties
Why this is correct
This is static analysis.
- ✗
Capturing network traffic in a sandbox
Why it's wrong here
This requires execution, hence dynamic.
- ✓
Searching for suspicious strings in the binary
Why this is correct
Strings extraction is a static technique.
- ✓
Analyzing the file's structure using PEiD
Why this is correct
PEiD identifies packers and compilers statically.
- ✗
Monitoring registry changes during execution
Why it's wrong here
This is dynamic analysis.
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on CEH
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are static malware analysis techniques? (Select 3)
hard- ✓ A.Examining strings in the binary
- ✓ B.Using PEiD to identify packers
- ✓ C.Scanning the file with VirusTotal
- D.Analyzing network traffic
- E.Running the malware in a sandbox
Why A: Static malware analysis involves examining the binary without executing it. Option A is correct because extracting strings (e.g., using `strings` command) reveals embedded URLs, IPs, registry keys, or function names that indicate malicious intent. Option B is correct because PEiD identifies packers or compilers used to obfuscate the malware, a key static analysis step. Option C is correct because VirusTotal performs static hash-based and signature scanning against multiple antivirus engines without running the file.
Variation 2. Which TWO of the following are types of malware analysis? (Select 2)
easy- A.Penetration testing
- ✓ B.Static analysis
- ✓ C.Dynamic analysis
- D.Network analysis
- E.Code review
Why B: Static analysis examines malware without executing it, focusing on file structure, strings, and code signatures to identify malicious indicators. Dynamic analysis runs the malware in a controlled sandbox environment to observe runtime behavior, such as registry changes, network connections, and process injections. Both are fundamental malware analysis methodologies recognized by the CEH exam.
Variation 3. Which TWO of the following are types of malware analysis? (Select two.)
easy- ✓ A.Static analysis
- B.Memory analysis
- C.Signature analysis
- ✓ D.Dynamic analysis
- E.Heuristic analysis
Why A: Static analysis involves examining malware without executing it, such as inspecting file headers, strings, and disassembled code. Dynamic analysis executes the malware in a controlled sandbox to observe its runtime behavior, including network traffic, registry changes, and process creation. Both are fundamental malware analysis methodologies recognized in CEH.
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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