Quick Answer
The answer is the GET and POST requests to /cgi-bin/test.cgi. These two log entries are most suspicious because they indicate a classic CGI script attack vector: the initial GET probes the script’s existence and response, while the subsequent POST attempts to execute commands or inject payloads through the CGI interface, a common method for defacement. On the CHFI exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between benign static resource requests—like the normal GET for index.html or the 301 redirect for /images/—and dynamic script interactions that signal compromise. A common trap is overlooking the POST method as a command channel, but remember that CGI scripts are often legacy endpoints vulnerable to remote execution. Memory tip: “Two verbs, one script—GET to find it, POST to bind it.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of application, email and cloud forensics. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 forensic analyst is investigating a web application that was defaced. The Apache access logs show the following entries: (1) GET /cgi-bin/test.cgi HTTP/1.1 with status 200, (2) POST /cgi-bin/test.cgi HTTP/1.1 with status 200, (3) GET /index.html HTTP/1.1 with status 200, (4) GET /images/ HTTP/1.1 with status 301. Which TWO log entries are most suspicious and indicate a likely attack vector?
POST /cgi-bin/test.cgi
POST to a CGI script can indicate command injection.
GET /index.html
Why wrong: Normal homepage request.
GET /images/
Why wrong: Directory listing request, but less suspicious than CGI.
GET /cgi-bin/test.cgi
Probing a CGI script is suspicious.
All entries are equally suspicious
Why wrong: Not all entries are suspicious.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
POST /cgi-bin/test.cgi
Entries to /cgi-bin/test.cgi with both GET and POST suggest probing and command execution via CGI. The others are normal traffic.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
POST /cgi-bin/test.cgi
Why this is correct
POST to a CGI script can indicate command injection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
GET /index.html
Why it's wrong here
Normal homepage request.
GET /images/
Why it's wrong here
Directory listing request, but less suspicious than CGI.
GET /cgi-bin/test.cgi
Why this is correct
Probing a CGI script is suspicious.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
All entries are equally suspicious
Why it's wrong here
Not all entries are suspicious.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI 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.
What to study next
Identify which CHFI 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.
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FAQ
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: POST /cgi-bin/test.cgi — Entries to /cgi-bin/test.cgi with both GET and POST suggest probing and command execution via CGI. The others are normal traffic.
Identify which CHFI 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CHFI 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 CHFI exam.
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