Quick Answer
The answer is files transferred via HTTP. This is correct because a PCAP file stores raw network packets, and HTTP transmits data in cleartext over TCP, meaning the full file content is present in the packet payloads. By reassembling the TCP streams from the captured packets, an analyst can directly extract those files—such as images, documents, or executables—without needing decryption. On the CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of how application-layer protocols leave recoverable artifacts in packet captures; a common trap is assuming encrypted protocols like HTTPS or FTP with TLS allow the same direct extraction. Remember the key distinction: cleartext HTTP exposes the payload, while encrypted traffic hides it. A useful memory tip is “HTTP = Holds The Payload,” reinforcing that only unencrypted application-layer data yields direct file recovery from a PCAP.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of network and cloud 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 a network forensic investigation, the analyst recovers a PCAP file. What type of information can be directly extracted from this file?
Files transferred via HTTP
HTTP file transfers are visible in the payload of packets.
Operating system version of the source host
Why wrong: OS version is not directly in PCAP unless explicitly transmitted.
Registry data of the destination host
Why wrong: Registry is local system data, not in network packets.
Disk partition table of the sending computer
Why wrong: Disk structure is not transmitted over the network normally.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Files transferred via HTTP
A PCAP file captures raw network packets. HTTP is an application-layer protocol that transmits data (e.g., files, web pages) in cleartext over TCP. By reassembling TCP streams from the captured packets, an analyst can directly extract files transferred via HTTP, as the payload contains the actual file content.
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.
Files transferred via HTTP
Why this is correct
HTTP file transfers are visible in the payload of packets.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Operating system version of the source host
Why it's wrong here
OS version is not directly in PCAP unless explicitly transmitted.
Registry data of the destination host
Why it's wrong here
Registry is local system data, not in network packets.
Disk partition table of the sending computer
Why it's wrong here
Disk structure is not transmitted over the network normally.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between what is directly extractable from packet payloads (e.g., HTTP files) versus what requires inference or additional forensic artifacts (e.g., OS fingerprinting or disk data), leading candidates to overestimate the information available in a PCAP.
Detailed technical explanation
HTTP file extraction relies on reassembling TCP segments in order (via sequence numbers) and then parsing the HTTP headers to locate the Content-Length or Transfer-Encoding fields, which define the boundaries of the file payload. Tools like Wireshark's 'Follow TCP Stream' or tshark's 'http.request' and 'http.response' filters automate this process. In real-world investigations, encrypted traffic (HTTPS) would prevent direct extraction, requiring additional steps like key logging or TLS interception.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network and Cloud Forensics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network and Cloud Forensics practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Network and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Network and Cloud Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Files transferred via HTTP — A PCAP file captures raw network packets. HTTP is an application-layer protocol that transmits data (e.g., files, web pages) in cleartext over TCP. By reassembling TCP streams from the captured packets, an analyst can directly extract files transferred via HTTP, as the payload contains the actual file content.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.