Quick Answer
The answer is PEiD, the Portable Executable Identifier, because it is the best static analysis tool for packer identification and unpacking malware during forensic triage. PEiD works by scanning the executable’s entry point against a database of known signatures for packers, cryptors, and compilers, allowing an analyst to quickly identify the obfuscation method. Once the packer is identified, PEiD can often invoke the packer’s own unpacking stub or use its built-in generic unpacker to restore the original code. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to choose the correct static analysis tool for initial malware triage, with a common trap being to select a dynamic analysis tool like Process Monitor instead. Remember that PEiD is strictly for static signature matching at the entry point, not for runtime behavior. A helpful memory tip: “PEiD peeks at the PE’s entry point to ID the packer.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware 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 examining a malware sample that uses packing to obfuscate its code. Which static analysis tool is BEST suited to identify the packer used and potentially unpack the executable?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
PEiD
PEiD uses signatures to detect packers, cryptors, and compilers. It can also assist in unpacking by identifying the entry point.
Cuckoo Sandbox
Why wrong: Cuckoo Sandbox performs dynamic analysis, not static packer identification.
Ghidra
Why wrong: Ghidra is a reverse engineering framework, not specifically for packer identification.
IDA Pro
Why wrong: IDA Pro is a disassembler/decompiler, not primarily a packer identifier.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
PEiD
PEiD (Portable Executable Identifier) is specifically designed to detect packers, cryptors, and compilers used in PE files by scanning for known signatures in the executable's entry point. It is the best static analysis tool for identifying the packer and can often unpack the executable using its built-in generic unpacker or by invoking the packer's own unpacking stub. This makes it ideal for the initial triage of packed malware samples.
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.
PEiD
Why this is correct
PEiD uses signatures to detect packers, cryptors, and compilers. It can also assist in unpacking by identifying the entry point.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Cuckoo Sandbox
Why it's wrong here
Cuckoo Sandbox performs dynamic analysis, not static packer identification.
Ghidra
Why it's wrong here
Ghidra is a reverse engineering framework, not specifically for packer identification.
IDA Pro
Why it's wrong here
IDA Pro is a disassembler/decompiler, not primarily a packer identifier.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between static and dynamic analysis tools, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse a dynamic analysis sandbox (Cuckoo) or a general-purpose disassembler (Ghidra, IDA Pro) with a specialized static packer identifier like PEiD.
Detailed technical explanation
PEiD works by scanning the entry point of a PE file for byte patterns (signatures) that correspond to known packers (e.g., UPX, ASPack, Themida). It uses a signature database (userdb.txt) that can be updated to detect new packers. When a packer is identified, PEiD can attempt to unpack the executable by locating the original entry point (OEP) and dumping the unpacked code, though this may fail against advanced packers with anti-debugging or anti-dumping techniques.
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
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FAQ
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: PEiD — PEiD (Portable Executable Identifier) is specifically designed to detect packers, cryptors, and compilers used in PE files by scanning for known signatures in the executable's entry point. It is the best static analysis tool for identifying the packer and can often unpack the executable using its built-in generic unpacker or by invoking the packer's own unpacking stub. This makes it ideal for the initial triage of packed malware samples.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. A forensic analyst is examining a Windows malware sample using static analysis. Which tool is BEST suited for viewing the PE header structure, including sections, imports, and exports?
easyWhy D: PEiD is specifically designed to analyze PE (Portable Executable) headers, making it ideal for quickly viewing section tables, import/export tables, and detecting packers or compilers. It parses the IMAGE_NT_HEADERS structure directly, providing a concise summary of the PE layout without requiring disassembly or decompilation.
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.
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