This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 malware analysis, a suspicious executable is detected. The analyst runs `strings` on the binary and finds references to `SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run` and a URL `http://evil.com/beacon`. What does this indicate?
The malware is a file infector that modifies system binaries
Why wrong: No indication of file infection.
The malware uses a mutex for synchronization
Why wrong: No mutex strings found.
The malware establishes persistence and communicates with a remote server
Registry Run key for persistence; URL for C2.
The malware performs privilege escalation via a known vulnerability
Why wrong: No evidence of exploit strings.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The malware establishes persistence and communicates with a remote server
The presence of a registry key reference to `SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run` indicates the malware is configured to launch automatically at system startup, establishing persistence. The embedded URL `http://evil.com/beacon` suggests the malware will make outbound HTTP requests to a remote command-and-control (C2) server for beaconing or data exfiltration. Together, these artifacts confirm persistence and remote communication, making option C correct.
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.
The malware is a file infector that modifies system binaries
Why it's wrong here
No indication of file infection.
The malware uses a mutex for synchronization
Why it's wrong here
No mutex strings found.
The malware establishes persistence and communicates with a remote server
Why this is correct
Registry Run key for persistence; URL for C2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The malware performs privilege escalation via a known vulnerability
Why it's wrong here
No evidence of exploit strings.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between persistence mechanisms (like registry Run keys) and other malware behaviors (like file infection or privilege escalation), so candidates mistakenly associate any registry reference with file infection or confuse a URL with an exploit payload.
Detailed technical explanation
The `Run` registry key (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run) is a standard Windows autorun location that executes programs at user logon; malware often writes a value here pointing to its executable path. The beacon URL typically uses HTTP GET/POST requests to a C2 server, often with randomized user-agent strings or encrypted payloads to evade detection. In real-world analysis, `strings` output may also reveal encoded commands or staging directories, but the combination of an autorun key and a remote URL is a classic indicator of a persistent backdoor.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
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FAQ
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The malware establishes persistence and communicates with a remote server — The presence of a registry key reference to `SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run` indicates the malware is configured to launch automatically at system startup, establishing persistence. The embedded URL `http://evil.com/beacon` suggests the malware will make outbound HTTP requests to a remote command-and-control (C2) server for beaconing or data exfiltration. Together, these artifacts confirm persistence and remote communication, making option C correct.
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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