- A
The Run key executes the malware when the user logs in.
The Run key is designed to run programs at user logon.
- B
The Services key ensures the malware runs with system privileges before user logon.
Services start at boot time and run as SYSTEM.
- C
The Services key requires administrative privileges to create.
Why wrong: HKLM services require admin privileges, but the question does not specify if the malware had them. However, it's generally true, but the statement is not necessarily true if the malware was run as admin. The question asks for TWO correct statements, and A and B are clearly correct.
- D
The Winlogon Shell key replaces the default Windows shell (explorer.exe) completely.
Why wrong: Winlogon Shell specifies the shell to run after logon; it may not replace explorer.exe if multiple are specified. However, it does run at logon, but the statement says 'replaces completely' which is not necessarily true.
- E
All three keys ensure persistence across reboots and user sessions.
Why wrong: The Services key persists across reboots, but the Run key only runs when the specific user logs in.
Quick Answer
The correct answer identifies the Services key as ensuring the malware runs with system privileges before user logon, while the Run key executes under the user’s context at each logon. The Services key under HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services defines a Windows service that the Service Control Manager launches automatically at boot, often with SYSTEM or LOCAL SYSTEM privileges, making it a powerful persistence vector that operates even before any user signs in. In contrast, the HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run key triggers only after the specific user logs on, and the Winlogon Shell key replaces the default shell (explorer.exe) with a malicious executable, also at user logon. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between user-level and system-level persistence, a common trap where candidates confuse the Run key’s user-specific timing with the service’s pre-logon execution. Remember the mnemonic: “Service before sign-on, Run after user’s done.”
CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. 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.
A forensic examiner is analyzing a malware sample that creates the following registry keys for persistence: 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Malware', 'HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\MalService', and 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell'. Which TWO of the following statements are TRUE regarding these persistence mechanisms?
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
The Run key executes the malware when the user logs in.
Option A is correct because the 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run' key is a well-known autostart location that executes the specified program each time the user logs into their account. This is a common persistence mechanism used by malware to re-launch after a reboot, as Windows Explorer reads this key during the user logon process.
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.
- ✓
The Run key executes the malware when the user logs in.
Why this is correct
The Run key is designed to run programs at user logon.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The Services key ensures the malware runs with system privileges before user logon.
Why this is correct
Services start at boot time and run as SYSTEM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The Services key requires administrative privileges to create.
Why it's wrong here
HKLM services require admin privileges, but the question does not specify if the malware had them. However, it's generally true, but the statement is not necessarily true if the malware was run as admin. The question asks for TWO correct statements, and A and B are clearly correct.
- ✗
The Winlogon Shell key replaces the default Windows shell (explorer.exe) completely.
Why it's wrong here
Winlogon Shell specifies the shell to run after logon; it may not replace explorer.exe if multiple are specified. However, it does run at logon, but the statement says 'replaces completely' which is not necessarily true.
- ✗
All three keys ensure persistence across reboots and user sessions.
Why it's wrong here
The Services key persists across reboots, but the Run key only runs when the specific user logs in.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that the Winlogon Shell key completely replaces explorer.exe, when in fact it only adds an additional program to the logon process, and the default shell remains unless explicitly overridden.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\MalService' key defines a Windows service that can be configured to start automatically (e.g., SERVICE_AUTO_START) and runs in the context of the SYSTEM account, often before any user logs in. The 'Winlogon Shell' value under 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon' allows specifying an additional executable that Winlogon launches after the user logs on, but it does not replace explorer.exe; the 'Shell' value (default: explorer.exe) controls the main shell, and malware may set both to ensure execution.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The Run key executes the malware when the user logs in. — Option A is correct because the 'HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run' key is a well-known autostart location that executes the specified program each time the user logs into their account. This is a common persistence mechanism used by malware to re-launch after a reboot, as Windows Explorer reads this key during the user logon process.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on CHFI
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. An incident responder is analyzing a compromised Windows workstation. Which TWO artifacts would provide the STRONGEST evidence of a malware persistence mechanism?
medium- A.Event log entry for user login
- ✓ B.Registry Run key referencing a suspicious path
- ✓ C.Scheduled Task entry pointing to a malicious executable
- D.Network share access logs
- E.Browser history showing download of a suspicious file
Why B: The Registry Run key (e.g., `HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`) is a classic and widely used persistence mechanism. A suspicious path under this key directly indicates that the malware is configured to execute automatically at user logon, providing strong evidence of persistence. This is a core artifact in Windows forensics for identifying auto-starting malware.
Variation 2. A forensic investigator is analyzing a Windows system suspected of malware infection. Which TWO of the following are common persistence mechanisms that malware may use?
medium- ✓ A.Scheduled Tasks via schtasks
- B.Creating a Windows service
- C.Adding an entry to the hosts file
- D.Modifying the boot.ini file
- ✓ E.HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why A: Scheduled Tasks via schtasks (Option A) are a common persistence mechanism because malware can create a task that runs at system startup or at regular intervals to re-infect or maintain a foothold. The schtasks command allows creating tasks with SYSTEM privileges, often triggered by logon or system boot events, making it a stealthy way to survive reboots.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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