Quick Answer
The answer is web server access logs. These logs are the most useful artifact because every HTTP request sent to the server is recorded, including the URI, method, and parameters; when an attacker interacts with a webshell, commands are typically passed via GET or POST parameters in the request URL or body, meaning the access log will contain the exact command strings executed, allowing direct reconstruction of attacker actions. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of log-based forensics versus volatile memory or file system artifacts—a common trap is to choose the webshell file itself, but that only shows the script, not the commands run. Remember the memory tip: “Logs tell the story, the shell is just the stage.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network 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.
An investigator finds a webshell on a compromised web server. Which artifact would be MOST useful to determine what commands were executed through the webshell?
Firewall logs
Why wrong: Firewall logs show network connections but not the content of HTTP requests.
System event logs
Why wrong: System event logs may not capture web request details.
Web server access logs
Access logs record HTTP requests, including those sent to the webshell, which may contain commands in query strings or POST data.
Prefetch files
Why wrong: Prefetch files track executed programs on Windows, not web requests.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Web server access logs
Web server access logs record every HTTP request made to the server, including the URI, method, user-agent, and response status. When a webshell is accessed, commands are typically passed via GET or POST parameters in the request URL or body, so the access log will contain the exact command strings executed. This makes it the most direct artifact for reconstructing attacker actions.
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.
Firewall logs
System event logs
Why it's wrong here
System event logs may not capture web request details.
Web server access logs
Why this is correct
Access logs record HTTP requests, including those sent to the webshell, which may contain commands in query strings or POST data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Prefetch files
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch files track executed programs on Windows, not web requests.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between network-level logs (firewall) and application-level logs (web server), and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly choose firewall logs because they think 'commands' imply network traffic, ignoring that webshell commands are embedded in HTTP requests captured only by the web server.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Firewall logs show network connections but not the content of HTTP requests.
Detailed technical explanation
Web server access logs (e.g., Apache combined log format or IIS W3C extended log) include the request line (method, URI, query string) and often the request body for POST requests if logging is configured. In a real-world scenario, an attacker using a PHP webshell like 'cmd.php?cmd=whoami' would leave a log entry with the full query string, allowing the investigator to see each command. However, if the webshell uses POST requests, the body may not be logged by default unless specific logging modules (e.g., mod_dumpio in Apache) are enabled.
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
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Web server access logs — Web server access logs record every HTTP request made to the server, including the URI, method, user-agent, and response status. When a webshell is accessed, commands are typically passed via GET or POST parameters in the request URL or body, so the access log will contain the exact command strings executed. This makes it the most direct artifact for reconstructing attacker actions.
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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