CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. 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 static analysis of a PE file, an analyst uses PEiD and detects the signature 'UPX 0.89.6 - 1.02 / 1.05 - 1.24'. What should the analyst do next?
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 a UPX unpacker or manual unpacking
The signature 'UPX 0.89.6 - 1.02 / 1.05 - 1.24' indicates the file is packed with UPX (Ultimate Packer for eXecutables). Packing is a common technique used by malware authors to obfuscate the original code and evade signature-based detection. The analyst must unpack the file using a UPX unpacker or manual unpacking to reveal the actual executable code for further static or 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.
✗
The file is clean; no further analysis needed
Why it's wrong here
Many legitimate and malicious files use UPX; detection indicates packing, not cleanliness.
✓
Unpack the file using a UPX unpacker or manual unpacking
Why this is correct
Unpacking is required to analyze the original code hidden by the packer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Delete the file as it is definitely malware
Why it's wrong here
UPX is used by legitimate software too; deletion is premature.
✗
Run the file in a sandbox immediately
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic analysis is better after unpacking, but unpacking first allows better static analysis.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a packer signature automatically indicates malware, when in fact packing is a legitimate software distribution technique and the analyst must unpack the file to determine its true nature.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
UPX works by compressing the PE sections and adding a small decompression stub that runs at load time. The signature detected by PEiD matches the specific UPX version range, which can be used to select the correct unpacking tool or parameters. In real-world malware analysis, many samples use custom or modified UPX packers that require manual unpacking (e.g., using OllyDbg or x64dbg to trace the OEP) because automated unpackers may fail on non-standard variants.
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 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.
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 a UPX unpacker or manual unpacking — The signature 'UPX 0.89.6 - 1.02 / 1.05 - 1.24' indicates the file is packed with UPX (Ultimate Packer for eXecutables). Packing is a common technique used by malware authors to obfuscate the original code and evade signature-based detection. The analyst must unpack the file using a UPX unpacker or manual unpacking to reveal the actual executable code for further static or 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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