The correct command sequence is log2timeline.py --partition /dev/sda1 timeline.plaso && psort.py -o l2tcsv timeline.plaso. This is because log2timeline/Plaso operates as a two-stage forensic timeline analysis tool: the first command extracts and processes artifacts from the specified partition into a binary storage file (timeline.plaso), while the second command, psort.py, filters and exports that data into a human-readable CSV format for review. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of the Plaso workflow—specifically that log2timeline.py handles acquisition and psort.py handles output, a distinction that often trips up candidates who mistakenly try to combine both steps into a single command. A common trap is forgetting the storage file extension or using the wrong output module; remember that -o l2tcsv produces the timeline CSV that investigators actually analyze. Memory tip: think “log2timeline loads, psort presents”—the first command captures the evidence, the second makes it readable.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 needs to extract timeline data from a compromised Linux system for analysis with log2timeline/Plaso. Which of the following command sequences should be used?
That is from The Sleuth Kit (mactime), not log2timeline.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
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.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: log2timeline.py --partition /dev/sda1 timeline.plaso && psort.py -o l2tcsv timeline.plaso — log2timeline (now Plaso) typically uses log2timeline.py to create a storage file, then psort.py to output the timeline in a readable format.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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