The answer is the list of imported DLLs and functions, along with embedded strings and the PE file’s section names. This is correct because static analysis of a PE file examines the binary without execution, allowing analysts to extract indicators of compromise directly from the file’s structure. Imported DLLs and functions reveal API calls that malware uses for malicious activities, while embedded strings—such as IP addresses or registry paths—can be uncovered with tools like `strings` or `binwalk`, pointing to command-and-control servers. On the CHFI exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish static from dynamic analysis, with a common trap being the assumption that runtime behavior or memory dumps are part of static analysis. Remember the mnemonic “DIE” for static IoCs: DLL imports, IP strings, and Embedded section names.
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 malware analyst is analyzing a suspicious executable. Which THREE of the following are valid indicators of compromise (IoCs) that can be extracted from static analysis of the PE file? (Select THREE)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IP addresses from embedded strings
Option A is correct because static analysis of a PE file involves examining the file without executing it. Embedded strings, such as IP addresses, can be extracted using tools like `strings` or `binwalk` and serve as IoCs indicating command-and-control servers or other network destinations. These strings are stored in the PE file's data sections and are directly observable in the binary.
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.
✓
IP addresses from embedded strings
Why this is correct
Strings can be extracted from the binary without execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Registry keys modified during execution
Why it's wrong here
Registry modifications are dynamic indicators.
✓
MD5 hash of the file
Why this is correct
Hashes are static IoCs derived from the file itself.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
File paths created during execution
Why it's wrong here
File paths are observed during dynamic analysis.
✓
List of imported DLLs and functions
Why this is correct
Import tables are part of PE header and reveal API calls.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the distinction between static and dynamic analysis, trapping candidates who confuse runtime artifacts (like registry or file system changes) with data extractable from the PE file itself without execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Static analysis of a PE file leverages the file's structure, including the DOS header, NT headers, section tables, and data directories. The import table (IMAGE_IMPORT_DESCRIPTOR) lists all DLLs and functions the executable will load at runtime, which are extracted by tools like `dumpbin /imports` or `pefile` in Python. Embedded strings, including IP addresses, are typically found in the .rdata or .text sections and can be extracted using `strings -n 8` to filter for plausible network addresses. The MD5 hash is a cryptographic fingerprint of the entire file, computed using the MD5 algorithm (RFC 1321), and is a key IoC for file identification and threat intelligence sharing.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
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: IP addresses from embedded strings — Option A is correct because static analysis of a PE file involves examining the file without executing it. Embedded strings, such as IP addresses, can be extracted using tools like `strings` or `binwalk` and serve as IoCs indicating command-and-control servers or other network destinations. These strings are stored in the PE file's data sections and are directly observable in the binary.
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.
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Question Discussion
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