The answer is running `dir /r` in the command prompt, using a dedicated stream-listing tool like streams.exe, and checking the $MFT for $DATA attributes with a non-empty name. These three methods are correct because NTFS alternate data streams allow data to be appended to a file as a separate stream, invisible to standard directory listings like `dir`; the `/r` switch forces the command to reveal these hidden forks, while tools like streams.exe parse the file system directly, and forensic examination of the Master File Table exposes any stream whose name field is not blank. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to apply file system forensics to detect data hiding techniques, a core competency for incident responders. A common trap is assuming that file size or hash alone will reveal ADS, but the streams are attached to the parent file and do not alter its primary data. Memory tip: think of ADS as a “ghost attachment” — you need a special flag or tool to see the ghost, just as `dir /r` shines a light on the hidden stream.
CHFI Storage Forensics and File System Analysis Practice Question
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 examining a Windows 10 system and suspects the use of NTFS alternate data streams (ADS) to hide malicious executables. Which THREE methods can the analyst use to detect hidden ADS on the system?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Checking the $MFT for $DATA attributes where the attribute name is not empty
ADS can be detected by using tools that list streams (like streams.exe or dir /r), checking the $MFT for $DATA attributes with a non-empty name, or scanning for known malicious ADS names with forensic tools.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Checking the $MFT for $DATA attributes where the attribute name is not empty
Why this is correct
Default $DATA has no name; named streams indicate ADS.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Using `Sysinternals streams.exe` to enumerate streams on the drive
Why this is correct
streams.exe lists all NTFS streams.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Comparing file sizes from `dir` output with raw disk sector counts
Why it's wrong here
File size from dir includes only the unnamed stream; raw sector counts are not practical for detection.
✗
Running `sfc /scannow` to verify system file integrity
Why it's wrong here
sfc checks system files, not hidden streams.
✓
Running `dir /r` in the command prompt to list files with alternate streams
Why this is correct
The /r switch displays alternate streams.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
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.
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.
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..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Checking the $MFT for $DATA attributes where the attribute name is not empty — ADS can be detected by using tools that list streams (like streams.exe or dir /r), checking the $MFT for $DATA attributes with a non-empty name, or scanning for known malicious ADS names with forensic tools.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 →
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. An analyst suspects that sensitive data was hidden in the NTFS Alternate Data Streams (ADS) of a file on a suspect's drive. Which tool is specifically designed to enumerate and extract data from ADS on a live Windows system?
medium
A.Foremost
B.PhotoRec
C.dd
✓ D.Streams.exe (Sysinternals)
Why D: Streams.exe (from Sysinternals) is the standard tool to list and extract data from Alternate Data Streams on Windows.
Variation 2. An investigator finds evidence of data hidden using Alternate Data Streams (ADS) on an NTFS volume. Which command would display all ADS associated with files in a directory?
medium
A.dir /s
B.dir /x
✓ C.dir /r
D.dir /a
Why C: The `dir /r` command in Windows Command Prompt lists all files, including their alternate data streams. Alternatively, tools like 'streams' from Sysinternals can be used.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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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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