The answer is that exactly one transaction is currently active in the Oracle database. This is correct because the query `SELECT COUNT(*) FROM v$transaction;` returns a count of 1, and the `v$transaction` dynamic performance view exclusively lists uncommitted or unrolled-back transactions; once a transaction is committed or rolled back, it is immediately removed from this view. In the context of the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this tests your ability to interpret live forensic acquisition output from Oracle databases, specifically distinguishing between active and completed transactions. A common trap is assuming that a count of zero means no database activity, but `v$transaction` only reflects in-flight work, not all recent operations. For a memory tip, remember that `v$transaction` is like a waiting room: only those still waiting to commit or roll back are counted, so a count of one means exactly one transaction is still in the waiting room.
CHFI Database and Application Forensics Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
SQL> SELECT * FROM v$transaction;
ADDR XIDUSN XIDSLOT XIDSQN UBAFIL UBABLK UBASQN UBAOFF STATUS START_SCNBAS START_SCNWRP
-------------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------- ------------ ------------
00000000C0F8 10 12 123456 4 5678 890 0 ACTIVE 1234567890 1
SQL> SELECT COUNT(*) FROM v$transaction WHERE status='ACTIVE';
COUNT(*)
----------
1
```
Refer to the exhibit. An investigator runs the queries on an Oracle database during a live forensic acquisition. What does the output indicate about the database transaction state?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Exactly one transaction is currently active
The query `SELECT COUNT(*) FROM v$transaction;` returns a count of 1, which indicates that exactly one transaction is currently active in the Oracle database. The `v$transaction` view shows only uncommitted or unrolled-back transactions; a committed transaction is removed from this view. Therefore, the output confirms that one transaction is active and has not yet been committed or rolled back.
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 transaction has been rolled back
Why it's wrong here
Status is ACTIVE, not rolled back.
✗
The transaction has been committed
Why it's wrong here
Status is ACTIVE, not committed.
✗
No transactions are currently active
Why it's wrong here
The count shows 1 active transaction.
✓
Exactly one transaction is currently active
Why this is correct
The query returns one row with status ACTIVE.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that `v$transaction` shows all transactions including committed ones, leading candidates to incorrectly select 'No transactions are currently active' when the count is 0, or to misinterpret a count of 1 as a committed transaction.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The count shows 1 active transaction.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Oracle, `v$transaction` is a dynamic performance view that lists all currently active transactions in the database instance. Each row corresponds to an uncommitted transaction, identified by its transaction ID (XID). The view is updated in real time; when a transaction commits or rolls back, its entry is purged from `v$transaction`. During live forensic acquisition, this query helps investigators determine if there are pending changes that could be lost or need to be captured before the database is shut down.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Database and Application Forensics — This question tests Database and Application Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Exactly one transaction is currently active — The query `SELECT COUNT(*) FROM v$transaction;` returns a count of 1, which indicates that exactly one transaction is currently active in the Oracle database. The `v$transaction` view shows only uncommitted or unrolled-back transactions; a committed transaction is removed from this view. Therefore, the output confirms that one transaction is active and has not yet been committed or rolled back.
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.