The answer is to check the server's process accounting logs, such as auditd or the output of lastcomm, for PHP process invocation with the cmd parameter. This is correct because process accounting logs capture every executed command at the kernel level, recording the exact binary run (e.g., php-cgi) along with its arguments and timestamps, providing irrefutable evidence that the decoded webshell’s cmd parameter was actually processed by the PHP interpreter. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of forensic artifacts beyond file presence—webshells can be uploaded but never executed, so confirming execution requires examining system-level logs that track process creation. A common trap is relying solely on Apache access logs, which only show the request, not whether the server ran it. Memory tip: “Process logs prove the process—access logs only show the ask.”
CHFI Application, Email and Cloud Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of application, email and cloud 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 investigator examining a compromised Linux server finds a base64-encoded string in the Apache access log: 'GET /cgi-bin/test.cgi?cmd=ZWNobyAiPD9waHAgc3lzdGVtKCRfR0VUW2NtZF0pOyA/PiI+...' After decoding, the string contains a PHP webshell. Which of the following is the MOST effective method to confirm the webshell was executed on the server?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the server's process accounting logs (e.g., auditd, 'lastcomm') for PHP process invocation with the cmd parameter
To confirm execution, the investigator should examine the server's process history or audit logs (e.g., auditd, bash history) to see if the cmd parameter was processed by the PHP interpreter.
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.
✗
Perform a memory dump of the server and search for the base64 string
Why it's wrong here
Memory analysis might reveal remnants, but it is more complex and less direct than checking process logs.
✓
Check the server's process accounting logs (e.g., auditd, 'lastcomm') for PHP process invocation with the cmd parameter
Why this is correct
Process logs can show that the PHP interpreter ran the cmd parameter, confirming execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Analyze the MySQL transaction logs for any database queries triggered by the webshell
Why it's wrong here
Webshell execution does not necessarily involve database queries.
✗
Search for the decoded PHP code in the web server's document root
Why it's wrong here
The webshell might have been written to a file, but execution confirmation requires process or audit logs.
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.
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the server's process accounting logs (e.g., auditd, 'lastcomm') for PHP process invocation with the cmd parameter — To confirm execution, the investigator should examine the server's process history or audit logs (e.g., auditd, bash history) to see if the cmd parameter was processed by the PHP interpreter.
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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Question Discussion
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