The answer is the established HTTPS connection to 203.0.113.5:443 with PID 5678. This connection is most suspicious because it is an outbound TCP link to an external IP address outside the private RFC 1918 range, and its established state indicates active data transfer, which in a forensic context often signals command-and-control (C2) communication or data exfiltration. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify suspicious netstat connections by filtering out legitimate local traffic and focusing on unknown external destinations with active states. A common trap is overlooking that HTTPS on port 443 can be malicious when tied to an unrecognized PID, so always cross-reference the PID against running processes. Memory tip: think “E-E-E” for Established, External, and Exfiltration—if all three are present, investigate immediately.
CHFI Network and Cloud Forensics Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
C:\>netstat -ano
Active Connections
Proto Local Address Foreign Address State PID
TCP 0.0.0.0:3389 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING 1234
TCP 192.168.1.10:49152 203.0.113.5:443 ESTABLISHED 5678
TCP 192.168.1.10:49153 192.168.1.1:53 TIME_WAIT 0
UDP 0.0.0.0:5353 *:* 910
UDP 192.168.1.10:137 *:* 910
```
During a forensic investigation, the analyst runs netstat -ano on a compromised workstation. Based on the exhibit, which connection is MOST suspicious and should be investigated further?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The established HTTPS connection to 203.0.113.5:443 (PID 5678).
The established HTTPS connection to 203.0.113.5:443 (PID 5678) is most suspicious because it is an external IP address (not in the private RFC 1918 range) with an established TCP connection, indicating active data transfer. In a forensic context, an outbound HTTPS connection to an unknown external IP is a common indicator of command-and-control (C2) communication or data exfiltration, especially when the PID can be traced to an unknown or malicious process.
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 established HTTPS connection to 203.0.113.5:443 (PID 5678).
Why this is correct
203.0.113.5 is a test address and likely indicates a connection to a suspicious host.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The DNS query to 192.168.1.1:53 in TIME_WAIT state.
The UDP listener on port 5353 (mDNS) with PID 910.
Why it's wrong here
mDNS is used for local network discovery; not typically malicious.
✗
The listening RDP service on port 3389 (PID 1234).
Why it's wrong here
RDP is a common service; not inherently suspicious.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that any listening service (like RDP or mDNS) is inherently suspicious, when in fact established external connections to unknown IPs are far more indicative of active compromise.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, netstat -ano displays all TCP and UDP endpoints with associated process IDs (PIDs). An established TCP connection to an external IP on port 443 (HTTPS) implies a completed three-way handshake and ongoing data flow, which can be verified by correlating the PID with the process name using tasklist or Get-Process. In real-world forensics, attackers often use HTTPS to blend C2 traffic with legitimate web traffic, making such connections a priority for further analysis, including packet capture and memory forensics.
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.
Network and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Network and Cloud Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The established HTTPS connection to 203.0.113.5:443 (PID 5678). — The established HTTPS connection to 203.0.113.5:443 (PID 5678) is most suspicious because it is an external IP address (not in the private RFC 1918 range) with an established TCP connection, indicating active data transfer. In a forensic context, an outbound HTTPS connection to an unknown external IP is a common indicator of command-and-control (C2) communication or data exfiltration, especially when the PID can be traced to an unknown or malicious process.
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.
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 →
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.
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.