Quick Answer
The answer is the Oracle listener log (listener.log). This is the correct choice because Oracle’s listener records all SQL*Net traffic between clients and the database, capturing the raw SQL statements as they are transmitted over the network. When an attacker performs SQL injection, the malicious payload is sent as part of those SQL queries, and the listener.log preserves the exact injected statements, giving forensic analysts direct evidence of the attack. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of Oracle’s architecture and where SQL injection artifacts are stored; a common trap is to confuse the listener log with the alert log or audit trail, which log errors or user actions but not the raw SQL text. Remember: the listener is the gatekeeper—it sees every query before the database does. Memory tip: “Listen for the injection” – the listener.log hears the raw SQL, so it’s your first stop for injected payloads.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of database and application 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.
A forensic analyst is investigating a compromised web application that uses an Oracle database. The analyst suspects that SQL injection was used to extract sensitive data. Which Oracle log source would provide evidence of the injected SQL statements?
Control file
Why wrong: Control file stores database structure, not SQL.
Redo log files
Why wrong: Redo logs record changes, not the SQL statements that caused them.
Listener log (listener.log)
With audit enabled, the listener log can capture SQL statements.
Alert log (alert_SID.log)
Why wrong: Alert logs contain system events, not SQL statements.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Listener log (listener.log)
The listener.log is the correct source because Oracle's listener records all client connections and SQL*Net traffic, including the raw SQL statements sent to the database. When SQL injection is performed, the injected payload is transmitted as part of the SQL query over the network, and the listener log captures these exact statements, providing direct evidence of the attack.
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.
Control file
Why it's wrong here
Control file stores database structure, not SQL.
Redo log files
Why it's wrong here
Redo logs record changes, not the SQL statements that caused them.
Listener log (listener.log)
Why this is correct
With audit enabled, the listener log can capture SQL statements.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Alert log (alert_SID.log)
Why it's wrong here
Alert logs contain system events, not SQL statements.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the misconception that redo logs or alert logs capture SQL statements, when in fact only the listener log records the actual SQL text sent over the network, while redo logs store only the resulting data changes and alert logs store administrative events.
Detailed technical explanation
The Oracle listener operates at the network layer, using the Transparent Network Substrate (TNS) protocol to accept and log incoming connections. By default, the listener.log contains timestamps, client IP addresses, service names, and the exact SQL statements sent via SQL*Net, making it invaluable for forensic reconstruction of injection attacks. In a real-world scenario, an attacker might use a tool like sqlmap to send multiple injected queries, and each one would appear sequentially in the listener.log, allowing the analyst to trace the exact payloads and data exfiltration attempts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Database and Application Forensics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Database and Application 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
Database and Application Forensics — This question tests Database and Application Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Listener log (listener.log) — The listener.log is the correct source because Oracle's listener records all client connections and SQL*Net traffic, including the raw SQL statements sent to the database. When SQL injection is performed, the injected payload is transmitted as part of the SQL query over the network, and the listener log captures these exact statements, providing direct evidence of the attack.
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.