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.
During a forensic examination of a Windows 10 system, you find a file with an ADS named `:hidden.txt` attached to `legal.docx`. Using FTK Imager, you extract the ADS and discover it contains a list of passwords. Which tool or technique could also be used to identify this hidden data?
Analyzing the $MFT using Autopsy
Correct. Autopsy can parse $MFT and display ADS entries.
Running `strings` on the raw partition
Why wrong: Strings may not distinguish ADS from regular file content.
Using `lsof` on a live system
Why wrong: lsof lists open files, not all ADS.
Performing file carving with PhotoRec
Why wrong: PhotoRec carves based on signatures, not metadata like ADS.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Analyzing the $MFT using Autopsy
Autopsy (Sleuth Kit) can list alternate data streams when viewing file metadata. The `istat` command in TSK also shows ADS, but Autopsy is a common GUI tool.
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.
Analyzing the $MFT using Autopsy
Why this is correct
Correct. Autopsy can parse $MFT and display ADS entries.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Running `strings` on the raw partition
Why it's wrong here
Strings may not distinguish ADS from regular file content.
Using `lsof` on a live system
Why it's wrong here
lsof lists open files, not all ADS.
Performing file carving with PhotoRec
Why it's wrong here
PhotoRec carves based on signatures, not metadata like ADS.
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: Analyzing the $MFT using Autopsy — Autopsy (Sleuth Kit) can list alternate data streams when viewing file metadata. The `istat` command in TSK also shows ADS, but Autopsy is a common GUI tool.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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