The answer is executing `tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap` to capture live packets and running `netstat -an` to display active TCP/UDP connections and listening ports. These are valid techniques for collecting volatile network evidence from live systems because they capture real-time network traffic and connection states without writing significant data to disk, preserving the system’s current state for forensic analysis. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of order of volatility principles—network evidence like ARP caches, active connections, and live packet captures must be collected before powering down a system. A common trap is confusing `netstat -an` with `netstat -r` (which shows routing tables) or assuming that `tcpdump` requires a GUI tool. Remember the memory tip: “Netstat for connections, tcpdump for conversations”—both are snapshot commands that leave no forensic footprint when used correctly.
CHFI Network and Cloud Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of network and cloud 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 TWO of the following are valid techniques for collecting volatile network evidence from a live system during incident response?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Running netstat -an to view active TCP/UDP connections.
Option D is correct because `netstat -an` displays all active TCP and UDP connections along with their listening ports and states, which is critical for identifying unauthorized or malicious network connections on a live system. This command provides a snapshot of current network sessions without altering system state, making it a standard volatile evidence collection technique.
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.
✗
Using route print to view the IP routing table.
Why it's wrong here
Routing table is relatively static and not volatile evidence of current activity.
✗
Using ipconfig /displaydns to view the DNS resolver cache.
Why it's wrong here
DNS cache is not directly network evidence; it's a cached resolution.
✗
Running arp -a to view the ARP table.
Why it's wrong here
ARP table is volatile but not as indicative of active network connections.
✓
Running netstat -an to view active TCP/UDP connections.
Why this is correct
Active connections are volatile and show current network activity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Executing tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap to capture live packets.
Why this is correct
Live packet capture is volatile network evidence.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse static configuration commands (route print, arp -a) or cached data (ipconfig /displaydns) with live volatile evidence, when only commands that capture active network sessions or raw traffic qualify as volatile evidence collection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
`netstat -an` uses the /proc/net/tcp and /proc/net/udp pseudo-filesystems on Linux or the TCP/IP stack's MIB on Windows to enumerate socket states, including TIME_WAIT, ESTABLISHED, and LISTEN. In a real-world incident, an attacker may use ephemeral ports or encrypted tunnels; `netstat` can reveal unexpected listening services or outbound connections to suspicious IPs, but it does not capture packet payloads. `tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap` captures raw packets at the data-link layer using libpcap, preserving full packet headers and payloads for offline analysis, which is essential for reconstructing attack vectors.
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.
Network and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Network and Cloud Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Running netstat -an to view active TCP/UDP connections. — Option D is correct because `netstat -an` displays all active TCP and UDP connections along with their listening ports and states, which is critical for identifying unauthorized or malicious network connections on a live system. This command provides a snapshot of current network sessions without altering system state, making it a standard volatile evidence collection technique.
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.