CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
During a forensic investigation of a compromised Linux server, an analyst checks /var/log/auth.log and finds multiple entries like "Failed password for root from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2". Which tool is BEST suited to analyze the timeline of these events?
⚠ Common exam trap
The EC-Council CHFI exam often tests the distinction between network analysis tools (Nmap, Wireshark) and forensic timeline tools (log2timeline), trapping candidates who confuse packet-level analysis with log-based event correlation.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
log2timeline
C is correct because log2timeline (part of the Plaso framework) is specifically designed to parse multiple log sources, including /var/log/auth.log, and create a super timeline that correlates events by timestamp. This allows the analyst to reconstruct the exact sequence of failed SSH login attempts from 10.0.0.5, which is essential for timeline analysis in forensic investigations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Nmap
Why it's wrong here
Nmap is a network scanner, not a forensic analysis tool.
- ✗
Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
Wireshark is a packet analyzer, not a timeline analysis tool.
- ✓
log2timeline
Why this is correct
log2timeline is the standard tool for creating super timelines from log files.
- ✗
Autopsy
Why it's wrong here
Autopsy is a digital forensics platform but not specialized for timeline creation from logs.
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About these practice questions
One of 205 original CHFI practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.