Quick Answer
The answer is MBR. This is correct because the Master Boot Record partition table structure is defined by a 512-byte sector at LBA 0, where the first 446 bytes contain boot code, followed by a 64-byte partition table consisting of exactly four 16-byte entries, and ending with the two-byte signature 0x55AA. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to identify partition table types from raw disk structure details, often appearing in forensic analysis scenarios where you must distinguish MBR from GPT. A common trap is confusing the 64-byte table size with GPT’s larger structure, but remember that MBR’s fixed four-entry limit is a key identifier. For memory, think “446 boot, 64 table, 55AA end” to recall the exact layout of the MBR partition table.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system analysis. 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.
An analyst is analyzing a disk image and finds a 512-byte sector at LBA 0 that contains a bootloader and a partition table. The partition table has four entries, each 16 bytes. What type of partition table is this?
Apple Partition Map
Why wrong: Apple Partition Map has a different structure and is not typically found at LBA 0 on standard disks.
MBR
MBR has exactly this structure: boot code, 64-byte partition table, and signature.
GPT
Why wrong: GPT uses a protective MBR at LBA 0 but the actual partition table is stored in GPT headers, not in a 64-byte table.
BSD disklabel
Why wrong: BSD disklabel uses a different layout and is not as common.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MBR
The MBR (Master Boot Record) uses a 512-byte sector at LBA 0, with the first 446 bytes for boot code, a 64-byte partition table (4 entries of 16 bytes each), and a 2-byte signature (0x55AA). This description matches MBR exactly.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Apple Partition Map
Why it's wrong here
Apple Partition Map has a different structure and is not typically found at LBA 0 on standard disks.
MBR
Why this is correct
MBR has exactly this structure: boot code, 64-byte partition table, and signature.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
GPT
Why it's wrong here
GPT uses a protective MBR at LBA 0 but the actual partition table is stored in GPT headers, not in a 64-byte table.
BSD disklabel
Why it's wrong here
BSD disklabel uses a different layout and is not as common.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: MBR — The MBR (Master Boot Record) uses a 512-byte sector at LBA 0, with the first 446 bytes for boot code, a 64-byte partition table (4 entries of 16 bytes each), and a 2-byte signature (0x55AA). This description matches MBR exactly.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A forensic analyst finds a partition that uses the Master Boot Record (MBR) scheme. Which of the following is TRUE about the MBR partition table?
easyWhy C: The MBR uses a 32-bit Logical Block Address (LBA) which limits the maximum addressable disk size to 2 TiB. It stores a 64-byte partition table with four primary partitions.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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