The answer is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx, along with Run and RunOnce keys under both HKLM and HKCU, as these are the three primary registry locations where malware sets persistence by launching programs automatically at user logon or system startup. The RunOnceEx key is particularly telling because it executes a program exactly once and then deletes the entry, making it a favorite for malware that wants to run a payload during initial infection or after a reboot without leaving a continuous trace in the standard Run key. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between common persistence mechanisms and forensic artifacts—attackers often hide entries in RunOnce to avoid detection, while a clean Run key can mislead investigators. A common trap is assuming only Run keys are used, but RunOnce and RunOnceEx are equally critical indicators. Memory tip: think “RunOnceEx = Execute and Erase” to recall that this key runs a single time and self-destructs.
CHFI Malware Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of 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.
Which THREE of the following are indicators of malware persistence via registry run keys? (Choose three.)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce is a registry run key that executes programs once at user logon and then deletes the entry. Malware often uses this key to run a payload a single time, such as during initial infection or after a reboot, to establish persistence without leaving a continuous trace in the Run key.
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.
RunOnceEx is an extended run key used for installation tasks but also abused by malware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the distinction between registry run keys (Run, RunOnce, RunOnceEx) and other persistence mechanisms like services (Services key) or scheduled tasks (TaskCache), tricking candidates into selecting non-run-key options that are valid persistence methods but not run keys.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Registry run keys are processed by the Windows Session Manager (smss.exe) and Winlogon process, which read these keys from both HKLM and HKCU hives to launch programs during system boot or user logon. The RunOnceEx key, introduced in Windows XP, allows execution of multiple commands in a single subkey with a specific order, often exploited by malware to install components sequentially before self-deleting. In real-world investigations, forensic analysts check these keys for suspicious entries like base64-encoded command lines or paths in temporary folders, which are strong indicators of compromise.
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 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.
Malware Forensics — This question tests Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce — HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce is a registry run key that executes programs once at user logon and then deletes the entry. Malware often uses this key to run a payload a single time, such as during initial infection or after a reboot, to establish persistence without leaving a continuous trace in the Run key.
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.
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Question Discussion
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