The answer is to unpack the file using the UPX tool or manual unpacking to obtain the original executable. This is correct because PEiD’s detection of “UPX 0.89.6 - 1.02 / 1.05 - 1.24” confirms the file is packed with the Ultimate Packer for eXecutables, a common technique that compresses and obfuscates the original code to evade static analysis and signature-based detection. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this scenario tests your understanding of malware analysis workflow, specifically that unpacking is the next step after identifying a packer—not jumping straight to dynamic analysis or scanning. A common trap is assuming the packed file itself is the malware, but the real payload is hidden inside. Memory tip: “UPX detected? Unpack first—don’t inspect the wrapper, inspect the core.”
CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 recovers a suspicious file from a compromised system. Using PEiD, the file is detected as 'UPX 0.89.6 - 1.02 / 1.05 - 1.24'. What is the MOST appropriate next step in the analysis?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unpack the file using the UPX tool or manual unpacking to obtain the original executable.
The PEiD detection of 'UPX 0.89.6 - 1.02 / 1.05 - 1.24' confirms the file is packed with UPX (Ultimate Packer for eXecutables). Packing obfuscates the original code and often evades static analysis. The most appropriate next step is to unpack the file using the UPX tool (with the -d switch) or manual unpacking to recover the original executable for deeper static and dynamic analysis.
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.
✗
Delete the file as it is likely a false positive from a legitimate UPX-packed application.
Why it's wrong here
Packed files are often malicious; deleting without analysis is inappropriate.
✓
Unpack the file using the UPX tool or manual unpacking to obtain the original executable.
Why this is correct
Unpacking is the standard next step to reveal the original code for static analysis.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Submit the packed file to VirusTotal to obtain a hash-based detection report.
Why it's wrong here
VirusTotal can detect packed files, but unpacking is a more direct analysis step.
✗
Run the file in a sandbox without unpacking to observe dynamic behavior.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, unpacking first is better to analyze the original code statically and understand its structure before execution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that a packer detection alone indicates a false positive or that dynamic analysis without unpacking is sufficient, when in fact unpacking is the foundational step to reveal the true executable for both static and dynamic analysis.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
UPX uses a compression algorithm (LZMA or NRV) to reduce executable size and appends a small decompression stub. When executed, the stub decompresses the original code in memory. Investigators can use the UPX command-line tool with the -d flag to decompress the file back to its original form, provided the file is not modified or encrypted beyond standard UPX. In cases where the packer is modified or anti-unpacking tricks are used, manual unpacking with a debugger (e.g., OllyDbg, x64dbg) is required to dump the process memory after the original entry point (OEP) is reached.
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 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.
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: Unpack the file using the UPX tool or manual unpacking to obtain the original executable. — The PEiD detection of 'UPX 0.89.6 - 1.02 / 1.05 - 1.24' confirms the file is packed with UPX (Ultimate Packer for eXecutables). Packing obfuscates the original code and often evades static analysis. The most appropriate next step is to unpack the file using the UPX tool (with the -d switch) or manual unpacking to recover the original executable for deeper static and dynamic analysis.
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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