The answer is unexpected outbound connections from the web server to unknown IP addresses, along with unusual files in web directories and high CPU usage due to command execution. These three indicators are classic signs of a webshell compromise because a webshell is essentially a malicious script uploaded to a web server that allows an attacker to execute system commands remotely. When the attacker runs commands like whoami or netstat, the server’s CPU spikes, and the script often spawns outbound connections to exfiltrate data or receive further instructions. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to correlate forensic artifacts with active compromise, often appearing in the web server forensics domain. A common trap is focusing only on file anomalies while ignoring behavioral indicators like traffic patterns. Memory tip: think “Files, CPU, Outbound” as the three pillars of webshell detection.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network 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.
Which THREE of the following are indicators of a webshell compromise on a web server?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
High CPU usage from web server processes
Unusual files in web directories, high CPU usage due to command execution, and unexpected outbound traffic are common signs of a webshell compromise. Log entries with 'cmd' parameter are also typical.
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.
✓
High CPU usage from web server processes
Why this is correct
Execution of arbitrary commands or scripts can spike CPU usage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Regular successful logins to the server with correct credentials
Why it's wrong here
This is expected behavior and not indicative of a webshell.
✓
Presence of files with extensions like .php, .asp, or .jsp in web directories that are not part of the original application
Why this is correct
Webshells are often uploaded as script files to web directories.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Unexpected outbound connections from the web server to unknown IP addresses
Why this is correct
Webshells often initiate outbound connections to exfiltrate data or receive commands.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Decrease in network traffic
Why it's wrong here
Webshells typically cause an increase in network traffic due to exfiltration or command execution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Webshells typically cause an increase in network traffic due to exfiltration or command execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: High CPU usage from web server processes — Unusual files in web directories, high CPU usage due to command execution, and unexpected outbound traffic are common signs of a webshell compromise. Log entries with 'cmd' parameter are also typical.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are common indicators of a web shell presence on a compromised IIS web server? (Select THREE.)
hard
A.Increased 404 errors in HTTP logs
✓ B.Process w3wp.exe making outbound connections to an unknown IP
✓ C.Scheduled tasks that execute cmd.exe or powershell.exe
✓ D.Anomalous files with .asp or .aspx extensions in the wwwroot directory
E.Normal GET requests to static .html pages
Why B: Web shells often create anomalous files in web directories, processes running as w3wp.exe executing suspicious commands, and outbound connections to C2 servers. Normal activity includes log entries for legitimate requests.
Variation 2. Which THREE of the following are common indicators of a web shell on a compromised web server? (Select THREE.)
hard
A.Presence of .htaccess files with rewrite rules
✓ B.Files with obfuscated code (e.g., base64 encoded strings)
✓ C.Files located in web-accessible directories (e.g., /uploads) with execute permissions
D.High number of 404 errors in access logs
✓ E.Unusual HTTP POST requests with large payloads to a single script
Why B: Web shells often contain obfuscated code, are placed in web-accessible directories, and may be accessed via unusual HTTP methods like POST with encoded payloads.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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