Quick Answer
The answer is PEiD, as it is the best tool for statically analyzing a PE file and viewing the Import Address Table (IAT). PEiD works by parsing the PE headers directly without executing the binary, allowing it to reveal imported DLLs like ws2_32.dll and wininet.dll and their associated functions, which is exactly what the scenario requires. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) exam, this tests your ability to distinguish static analysis tools from dynamic ones; a common trap is choosing a debugger or sandbox that runs the file, but PEiD reads the IAT from the file’s structure alone. Remember that static analysis means no execution—PEiD simply identifies imports by examining the PE’s data directories. A useful memory tip: PEiD’s name hints at its purpose—PE (Portable Executable) iD (identifier)—so when you need to “ID” imports without running the code, think PEiD.
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.
During a malware analysis session, an analyst uses a tool to view the import address table (IAT) of a suspicious PE file. The tool shows imports from ws2_32.dll and wininet.dll. Which of the following tools would BEST allow the analyst to statically analyze the binary and view the IAT?
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 is a static analysis tool that can view imports, packers, and other PE header information.
Wireshark
Why wrong: Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer, not for PE file analysis.
Process Monitor
Why wrong: Process Monitor is a real-time monitoring tool for file system, registry, and process/thread activity.
Cuckoo Sandbox
Why wrong: Cuckoo is a dynamic analysis sandbox, not for static PE viewing.
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 a static analysis tool that can parse the PE file structure, including the Import Address Table (IAT), to reveal which DLLs and functions are imported. Since the question specifies static analysis and viewing the IAT, PEiD is the best choice because it directly reads the PE headers without executing the file.
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 is a static analysis tool that can view imports, packers, and other PE header information.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer, not for PE file analysis.
Process Monitor
Why it's wrong here
Process Monitor is a real-time monitoring tool for file system, registry, and process/thread activity.
Cuckoo Sandbox
Why it's wrong here
Cuckoo is a dynamic analysis sandbox, not for static PE viewing.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between static and dynamic analysis tools; the trap here is that candidates may confuse dynamic analysis tools (like Cuckoo Sandbox or Process Monitor) with static PE parsing tools, or mistake Wireshark for a binary analysis tool because it deals with network data.
Detailed technical explanation
The IAT is a PE structure that stores function pointers for imported APIs, resolved by the Windows loader at runtime. Tools like PEiD use the IMAGE_IMPORT_DESCRIPTOR array in the PE file to list imported DLLs (e.g., ws2_32.dll for Winsock, wininet.dll for Internet functions) and their associated function names or ordinals. In real-world malware analysis, static IAT inspection can reveal network capabilities (e.g., HTTP requests via wininet) or socket operations (ws2_32) without triggering malicious behavior.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Mobile and Malware Forensics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Mobile and Malware 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
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 a static analysis tool that can parse the PE file structure, including the Import Address Table (IAT), to reveal which DLLs and functions are imported. Since the question specifies static analysis and viewing the IAT, PEiD is the best choice because it directly reads the PE headers without executing the file.
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.
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.