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 security analyst suspects a mobile device is infected with malware that exfiltrates data via DNS queries. Which tool or technique would be MOST effective for detecting this behavior during dynamic analysis?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Wireshark to capture and analyze network packets for anomalous DNS queries
D is correct because DNS exfiltration involves encoding stolen data into DNS query fields (e.g., subdomains or TXT records) and sending them to a malicious server. Wireshark captures and analyzes raw network packets, allowing the analyst to inspect DNS query payloads for anomalous patterns such as unusually long hostnames, high query volume, or queries to suspicious domains, which are hallmarks of DNS tunneling.
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.
✗
PEiD to detect packers in the mobile app binary
Why it's wrong here
PEiD is for PE files; mobile apps are not PE, and it does not analyze network behavior.
✗
Regshot to compare registry snapshots before and after execution
Why it's wrong here
Regshot compares registry changes, not network activity.
✗
Process Monitor to observe registry and file system changes
Why it's wrong here
Process Monitor does not capture network traffic; it monitors system calls.
✓
Wireshark to capture and analyze network packets for anomalous DNS queries
Why this is correct
Wireshark can capture DNS traffic and detect exfiltration patterns.
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 misconception that dynamic analysis of malware behavior requires host-based monitoring (like Process Monitor) rather than network-based analysis, but for data exfiltration via DNS, packet capture is essential.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DNS exfiltration works by encoding stolen data into DNS queries, often using base32/base64 encoding in subdomain labels (e.g., stolen-data.evil.com), which are sent to a malicious authoritative DNS server. Tools like Wireshark can filter for DNS queries with `dns.qry.name` and detect anomalies such as high entropy in query names or excessive NXDOMAIN responses. In real-world scenarios, attackers may use DNS tunneling tools like dnscat2 or Iodine, which can be identified by analyzing query lengths exceeding typical DNS label limits (63 bytes per label, 255 bytes total).
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: Wireshark to capture and analyze network packets for anomalous DNS queries — D is correct because DNS exfiltration involves encoding stolen data into DNS query fields (e.g., subdomains or TXT records) and sending them to a malicious server. Wireshark captures and analyzes raw network packets, allowing the analyst to inspect DNS query payloads for anomalous patterns such as unusually long hostnames, high query volume, or queries to suspicious domains, which are hallmarks of DNS tunneling.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.