Quick Answer
The answer is AWS CloudTrail, because it is the AWS service that records every API call made to the environment, including the source IP address from which the request originated. When a suspect uses IAM credentials to launch unauthorized EC2 instances, the RunInstances API call is logged in CloudTrail, and the event record contains the sourceIPAddress field, which reveals the exact IP address of the client at the time of the credential use. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to map cloud forensic artifacts to specific log sources—a common trap is confusing CloudTrail with VPC Flow Logs, which capture network traffic but not API-level identity details. Remember that CloudTrail is the “who, what, when, and from where” log for all AWS actions, making it the definitive source for tracing credential abuse. A helpful memory tip: “Trail leads to the IP trail.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of application, email and cloud forensics. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a cloud forensic investigation, the analyst discovers that the suspect used AWS IAM credentials to launch unauthorized EC2 instances. The suspect claims the credentials were stolen. Which log would the analyst examine to determine the source IP address from which the credentials were used?
VPC Flow Logs
Why wrong: VPC Flow Logs show network traffic, not API calls.
Amazon Inspector findings
Why wrong: Inspector assesses vulnerabilities, not API logs.
AWS Config
Why wrong: AWS Config tracks configuration changes, not API call origin.
AWS CloudTrail
CloudTrail logs API calls with source IP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS CloudTrail
AWS CloudTrail logs all API calls, including the source IP address of the request. By analyzing CloudTrail events for the RunInstances API, the analyst can see the IP address.
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.
VPC Flow Logs
Why it's wrong here
VPC Flow Logs show network traffic, not API calls.
Amazon Inspector findings
Why it's wrong here
Inspector assesses vulnerabilities, not API logs.
AWS Config
Why it's wrong here
AWS Config tracks configuration changes, not API call origin.
AWS CloudTrail
Why this is correct
CloudTrail logs API calls with source IP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
VPC Flow Logs show network traffic, not API calls.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS CloudTrail — AWS CloudTrail logs all API calls, including the source IP address of the request. By analyzing CloudTrail events for the RunInstances API, the analyst can see the IP address.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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