The answer is the process running python /tmp/.payload.py with PID 1310. This is the most suspicious because it executes a hidden file—indicated by the dot prefix—from the /tmp directory, a common staging ground for malicious payloads due to its world-writable permissions and lack of persistent storage scrutiny. In incident response, attackers often use such scripts for reverse shells or data exfiltration, making this process a red flag in any Linux ps output. On the CHFI exam, this tests your ability to identify suspicious process detection by focusing on file location and naming conventions; a common trap is overlooking hidden files or assuming all Python processes are benign. Remember the mnemonic “HIDDEN in /tmp” to recall that Hidden files, In unusual Directories, with Direct Execution from Non-standard paths, and Elevated risk from Network connections are the key indicators to investigate immediately.
CHFI Incident Response and First Responder Skills Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of incident response and first responder skills. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
$ ps aux | grep -E "bash|nc|python|perl"
USER PID %CPU %MEM VSZ RSS TTY STAT START TIME COMMAND
root 1245 0.0 0.1 21908 3420 ? S 10:15 0:00 /bin/bash
root 1302 0.0 0.0 12368 876 ? S 10:16 0:00 nc -lvp 4444
root 1310 0.5 0.2 30240 5678 ? S 10:17 0:02 python /tmp/.payload.py
root 1325 0.0 0.0 12368 912 ? S 10:18 0:00 perl /tmp/.script.pl
Refer to the exhibit. A first responder runs the command on a Linux server. Which process should be considered MOST suspicious and investigated immediately?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
python /tmp/.payload.py (PID 1310)
Option B is correct because the Python script located in /tmp/.payload.py (PID 1310) is a hidden file in a temporary directory, which is a common technique for storing malicious payloads. The command 'python /tmp/.payload.py' indicates execution of an arbitrary script, often used for reverse shells, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms, making it the most suspicious process in an incident response context.
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.
✗
/bin/bash (PID 1245)
Why it's wrong here
Bash is a normal shell; not inherently suspicious.
✓
python /tmp/.payload.py (PID 1310)
Why this is correct
A Python script running from a hidden temp directory with CPU usage is highly suspicious.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
nc -lvp 4444 (PID 1302)
Why it's wrong here
Netcat listening could be a backdoor but the hidden script is more indicative of active malware.
✗
perl /tmp/.script.pl (PID 1325)
Why it's wrong here
Also suspicious, but the Python script has higher CPU usage and is likely the main payload.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the distinction between a network listener (like Netcat) and an active script execution, where candidates may incorrectly choose the listener as most suspicious because it implies a backdoor, but the hidden script execution represents active malicious code that is already running and could be performing data theft or lateral movement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The /tmp directory is world-writable and often used by attackers to drop payloads because it is cleaned on reboot, reducing forensic evidence. Hidden files (prefixed with a dot) are intentionally obscured from standard 'ls' output unless the '-a' flag is used, making them a stealth mechanism. In real-world incidents, Python scripts in /tmp are frequently used to establish reverse shells (e.g., using the 'socket' module) or to download additional malware, and the process should be immediately killed and the file preserved for analysis.
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 practitioner preparing for the CHFI exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Incident Response and First Responder Skills — This question tests Incident Response and First Responder Skills — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: python /tmp/.payload.py (PID 1310) — Option B is correct because the Python script located in /tmp/.payload.py (PID 1310) is a hidden file in a temporary directory, which is a common technique for storing malicious payloads. The command 'python /tmp/.payload.py' indicates execution of an arbitrary script, often used for reverse shells, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms, making it the most suspicious process in an incident response context.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first", "immediately / without restart". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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