- A
The file can be recovered by reading the journal and replaying the deletion transaction
Why wrong: The journal records metadata changes; replaying would undo the deletion only if the journal has not been rotated.
- B
The file may be recovered through file carving by searching for known file signatures in the data blocks
Since data blocks are not overwritten immediately, file carving can recover the file by finding its header/footer signatures.
- C
The file cannot be recovered because ext3 zeroes the inode on deletion
Why wrong: ext3 does not zero the inode completely; it clears pointers, but the inode structure remains. However, without pointers, carving is needed.
- D
The file can be recovered by undeleting the inode using debugfs or extundelete
Why wrong: extundelete can recover if the journal still has the deleted inode data. However, after deletion, the inode is cleared; recovery is possible only if the journal hasn't been overwritten.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the file may be recovered through file carving by searching for known file signatures in the data blocks. This is because when a file is deleted in ext3, the inode’s link count drops to zero and the data block pointers are cleared, but the actual data blocks remain on the disk until overwritten. Since the filesystem no longer tracks where those blocks belong, standard journal-based recovery fails; instead, ext3 deleted file recovery relies on file carving, which scans the raw partition for header and footer signatures like JPEG or PDF markers. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of the difference between filesystem metadata recovery and physical-level recovery, with a common trap being to assume the journal can restore the file—it cannot, because the journal only logs metadata changes, not the file’s content. A useful memory tip: “Carve the data, not the inode” reminds you that when pointers are gone, only signature scanning can recover the file.
CHFI Storage Forensics and File System Analysis Practice Question
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.
In an ext3 file system, after deleting a file, the inode's link count drops to 0, but the data blocks remain. Which of the following is true regarding recovery?
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
The file may be recovered through file carving by searching for known file signatures in the data blocks
In ext3, deleting a file clears the inode and data block pointers. Recovery requires scanning the raw disk for file signatures (file carving) because the inode no longer points to the data.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The file can be recovered by reading the journal and replaying the deletion transaction
Why it's wrong here
The journal records metadata changes; replaying would undo the deletion only if the journal has not been rotated.
- ✓
The file may be recovered through file carving by searching for known file signatures in the data blocks
Why this is correct
Since data blocks are not overwritten immediately, file carving can recover the file by finding its header/footer signatures.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
The file cannot be recovered because ext3 zeroes the inode on deletion
Why it's wrong here
ext3 does not zero the inode completely; it clears pointers, but the inode structure remains. However, without pointers, carving is needed.
- ✗
The file can be recovered by undeleting the inode using debugfs or extundelete
Why it's wrong here
extundelete can recover if the journal still has the deleted inode data. However, after deletion, the inode is cleared; recovery is possible only if the journal hasn't been overwritten.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
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..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The file may be recovered through file carving by searching for known file signatures in the data blocks — In ext3, deleting a file clears the inode and data block pointers. Recovery requires scanning the raw disk for file signatures (file carving) because the inode no longer points to the data.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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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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