Quick Answer
The answer is xp_readerrorlog with a filter for 'Login failed'. This extended stored procedure reads the SQL Server error log, which records every authentication attempt, including failures due to incorrect passwords, making it the standard tool for a SQL Server failed login audit. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this tests your ability to locate forensic evidence of brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks within SQL Server logs, often contrasting with the sys.dm_exec_sessions DMV, which only shows current active sessions—a common trap. Remember that xp_readerrorlog is a stored procedure, not a view, and requires sysadmin privileges, so it is the investigator’s go-to for historical failed login data. Memory tip: think “XP = eXamine Past logins” to recall its role in auditing past authentication failures.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of database and application 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 is analyzing a Microsoft SQL Server instance that was compromised. The investigator wants to identify all login attempts that failed due to incorrect passwords. Which system function or view should be queried?
sys.dm_exec_sessions
Why wrong: Shows active sessions, not login failures.
sys.dm_tran_locks
Why wrong: Shows lock information, not logins.
xp_readerrorlog with filter for 'Login failed'
Reads SQL Server error log for failed logins.
sys.dm_exec_requests
Why wrong: Shows current requests, not login history.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
xp_readerrorlog with filter for 'Login failed'
The xp_readerrorlog extended stored procedure reads the SQL Server error log, which records all login attempts, including failures. By filtering for 'Login failed', the investigator can retrieve the exact entries where authentication failed due to incorrect passwords. This is the standard method for auditing failed logins in SQL Server.
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.
sys.dm_exec_sessions
Why it's wrong here
Shows active sessions, not login failures.
sys.dm_tran_locks
Why it's wrong here
Shows lock information, not logins.
xp_readerrorlog with filter for 'Login failed'
Why this is correct
Reads SQL Server error log for failed logins.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
sys.dm_exec_requests
Why it's wrong here
Shows current requests, not login history.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the misconception that dynamic management views (DMVs) like sys.dm_exec_sessions store historical authentication data, when in fact they only reflect current state, not past events.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows active sessions, not login failures.
Detailed technical explanation
SQL Server error logs are stored as text files (e.g., ERRORLOG, ERRORLOG.1) in the MSSQL\Log directory. xp_readerrorlog internally reads these files and supports filtering by error type, date range, and search string. In a forensic scenario, failed logins (error 18456) are critical for identifying brute-force attacks or credential stuffing, and xp_readerrorlog can be combined with additional parameters to narrow results by time or severity.
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
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FAQ
Database and Application Forensics — This question tests Database and Application Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: xp_readerrorlog with filter for 'Login failed' — The xp_readerrorlog extended stored procedure reads the SQL Server error log, which records all login attempts, including failures. By filtering for 'Login failed', the investigator can retrieve the exact entries where authentication failed due to incorrect passwords. This is the standard method for auditing failed logins in SQL Server.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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