Quick Answer
The answer is the registry key created by the malware. This is the correct choice because, while polymorphic malware changes its code signature and file hash with each mutation to evade signature-based detection, the registry key path and value name typically remain stable. These keys are often tied to persistence mechanisms, such as Run or RunOnce keys, or to configuration storage that the malware must consistently access to re-launch or maintain its foothold on the system. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of stable versus volatile indicators of compromise—a common trap is to focus on file hashes or network signatures, which change with each mutation, rather than on behavioral artifacts like registry modifications. A useful memory tip: think of the registry key as the malware’s “home address” that never moves, even when the malware changes its “disguise.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which of the following is an indicator of compromise (IoC) that is LEAST likely to change when malware mutates through polymorphic techniques?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
MD5 hash of the malware file
Why wrong: Hash changes with mutation.
File name of the malware
Why wrong: File name can change easily.
Registry key created by the malware
Behavioural IoCs like registry keys, file paths, and C2 domains often persist across polymorphic variants.
Import hash (IMPHASH)
Why wrong: Import hash can change if the malware uses different imports.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Registry key created by the malware
Registry keys created by malware are often tied to persistence mechanisms (e.g., Run keys) or configuration storage that remain consistent across polymorphic mutations. While the malware's code and file hash change with each mutation, the registry key path and value name typically stay the same to ensure the malware can re-launch or maintain its foothold. This makes the registry key a stable indicator of compromise (IoC) that is least likely to change.
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.
MD5 hash of the malware file
Why it's wrong here
Hash changes with mutation.
File name of the malware
Why it's wrong here
File name can change easily.
Registry key created by the malware
Why this is correct
Behavioural IoCs like registry keys, file paths, and C2 domains often persist across polymorphic variants.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Import hash (IMPHASH)
Why it's wrong here
Import hash can change if the malware uses different imports.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the misconception that file-based attributes like hashes or names are reliable IoCs for polymorphic malware, when in fact behavioral artifacts (e.g., registry keys, mutexes, network patterns) are more stable across mutations.
Detailed technical explanation
Polymorphic malware uses encryption or code obfuscation engines that generate new decryption stubs or instruction sequences each time it replicates, causing file hashes (MD5, SHA1) and IMPHASH to vary. Registry keys, however, are often hardcoded in the malware's decrypted payload or configuration data to ensure consistent system modification—for example, adding a value under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run with a fixed name like 'WindowsUpdate' to achieve persistence. In real-world investigations, analysts rely on registry artifacts as stable IoCs when file-based signatures fail due to polymorphism.
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.
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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: Registry key created by the malware — Registry keys created by malware are often tied to persistence mechanisms (e.g., Run keys) or configuration storage that remain consistent across polymorphic mutations. While the malware's code and file hash change with each mutation, the registry key path and value name typically stay the same to ensure the malware can re-launch or maintain its foothold. This makes the registry key a stable indicator of compromise (IoC) that is least likely to change.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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