Exam 312-49v10 topic 1 question 731 discussion

If the file is packed but not password-protected → Mount compound files first. If the file is password-protected → First decrypt the password to access/unpack the file. - ECCouncil Official CHFI https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9781635676969/ Module 05 Page 519 “During forensic investigations, the investigator’s first approach should be to mount compound files. Program packers that are password-protected can pose a challenge during investigation as investigators need to first decrypt the password to unpack the file.” - If you agree: UPVOTE this post to add your vote to the community tally. If you disagree: discuss with citations Both actions crowdsource best answers.

Option A: Use the unpacking tool to decompress the executable, without dealing with the password Efficiency: Using the unpacking tool designed for the specific packer is the most direct and efficient method. If the tool can bypass the password protection, it will save considerable time and effort. Best Practice: According to the CHFI v10 textbook, using the known and appropriate tools for unpacking executables is recommended as the first step. This aligns with best practices for handling packed files in forensic investigations.

Same question as earlier

best course of action to examine the executable is dynamic analysis.

In case of executable files, these programs carry unpackers built into them as well, which unpack the file when user tries to run it and installs the executable on the host system. Some of the widely used packers are UPX, PECompact, BurnEye, Exe Stealth Packer, Smart Packer Pro, etc. Investigators can dynamically analyze these packed executables by running them in a controlled environment and observing their behavior

C > The packers compress the files using various algorithms. Hence, unless the investigators know the tool that has been used to pack the file and have a tool to unpack it, they will not be able to access it. Program packers that are password-protected can pose a challenge during investigation as investigators need to first decrypt the password to unpack the file.