During a forensic investigation, an examiner is analyzing a bitmap (BMP) image file.

Option A. File header is correct because the first section of a BMP file contains the core identifying information about the file, including the signature , file size , and structural offsets that help determine how the bitmap data is organized. In forensic analysis, understanding file structure is essential for validating file type, detecting tampering, and interpreting the content correctly in a hex editor or file parser.

The file header is the top-level structure that tells the examiner what kind of file is being viewed and how to begin interpreting it. By contrast, the information header contains more detailed image-specific attributes such as dimensions, bit depth, and compression settings. The RGBQUAD array is related to the color table in certain BMP formats, and image data refers to the actual pixel content, not the opening structural section.

From a CHFI perspective, this kind of question tests recognition of file-format structures and the ability to interpret artifacts during forensic examination. Since the question specifically asks for the first section containing file type and size information, File header is the most accurate answer.