The answer is examining the file's strings and metadata without executing it. This is correct because static malware analysis is defined by the principle of non-execution; it involves inspecting the binary’s embedded strings, file headers, hashes, and other metadata to identify indicators of compromise without running the code. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between static and dynamic analysis phases, and a common trap is confusing static analysis with behavioral analysis performed in a sandbox. A reliable memory tip is to associate “static” with “still” or “stopped”—you never let the file run, you only read its frozen contents.
CEH Practice Question: Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of malware, social engineering and network attacks. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An ethical hacker is analyzing a suspicious file using static analysis. Which of the following actions is part of static malware analysis?
Running the file in a sandboxed environment and monitoring its behavior
Why wrong: This is dynamic analysis, not static.
B
Uploading the file to VirusTotal for scanning
Why wrong: VirusTotal uses multiple antivirus engines, which may involve both static and dynamic analysis, but uploading is not a static analysis action performed by the analyst.
C
Examining the file's strings and metadata without executing it
Static analysis examines the file's binary, strings, and metadata without execution.
D
Using Wireshark to capture packets sent by the file
Why wrong: This is dynamic analysis, as it requires the file to be executed.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Examining the file's strings and metadata without executing it
Static analysis involves examining the file without executing it, including checking strings, file properties, and metadata. Dynamic analysis involves running the file in a sandbox.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Running the file in a sandboxed environment and monitoring its behavior
Why it's wrong here
This is dynamic analysis, not static.
✗
Uploading the file to VirusTotal for scanning
Why it's wrong here
VirusTotal uses multiple antivirus engines, which may involve both static and dynamic analysis, but uploading is not a static analysis action performed by the analyst.
✓
Examining the file's strings and metadata without executing it
Why this is correct
Static analysis examines the file's binary, strings, and metadata without execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Using Wireshark to capture packets sent by the file
Why it's wrong here
This is dynamic analysis, as it requires the file to be executed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — This question tests Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Examining the file's strings and metadata without executing it — Static analysis involves examining the file without executing it, including checking strings, file properties, and metadata. Dynamic analysis involves running the file in a sandbox.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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 TWO of the following are examples of static malware analysis techniques? (Select two.)
medium
A.Running the malware in a sandbox
B.Capturing network traffic during execution
C.Monitoring process behavior with Process Monitor
✓ D.Checking file hash on VirusTotal
✓ E.Examining strings in the binary
Why D: Static analysis examines the malware without executing it. String analysis looks for embedded strings, and VirusTotal checks hashes against known signatures. Sandboxing and process monitoring are dynamic analysis.
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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.
Question Discussion
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