A penetration tester discovers malware on a system that disguises itself as legitimate software but performs malicious actions in the background. What type of malware is this?
Correct Answer: A
CEH v13 defines a Trojan as malware that appears as a legitimate, trusted software application while secretly executing malicious actions behind the scenes. Trojans rely on deception rather than replication, often masquerading as tools, utilities, updates, or installers. Once executed, they may install backdoors, steal credentials, exfiltrate data, or modify system settings. The defining characteristic emphasized in CEH is the legitimate-looking facade combined with hidden malicious intent, which matches the scenario perfectly. Spyware (Option B) focuses on monitoring and data collection but does not necessarily disguise itself as legitimate software. Worms (Option C) self-replicate across networks, which is not described here. Rootkits (Option D) hide system compromise but do not necessarily pose as legitimate software. Therefore, the malware described is a Trojan.
Question 62
A zone file consists of which of the following Resource Records (RRs)?
Correct Answer: D
A DNS zone file contains resource records (RRs) that define mappings and configurations for domains and subdomains. The standard records found in a zone file include: SOA (Start of Authority): Indicates the beginning of the zone file. NS (Name Server): Specifies the authoritative name servers. A (Address): Maps hostnames to IPv4 addresses. MX (Mail Exchange): Specifies mail servers. These records are essential for the DNS resolution process and mail routing. From CEH v13 Official Courseware: Module 3: DNS Enumeration Topic: DNS Record Types CEH v13 Study Guide states: "A zone file contains all the resource records including SOA, NS, A, and MX. These define name server authority, IP resolution, and mail server routing." Incorrect Options: A: DNS is a protocol, not a resource record. B: PTR is for reverse DNS, typically in a separate reverse zone file. C: AXFR is a DNS transfer mechanism, not an RR in the zone file. Reference:CEH v13 Study Guide - Module 3: DNS Record TypesRFC 1035 - Domain Names: Implementation and Specification ======
Question 63
As a budding cybersecurity enthusiast, you have set up a small lab at home to learn more about wireless network security. While experimenting with your home Wi-Fi network, you decide to use a well-known hacking tool to capture network traffic and attempt to crack the Wi-Fi password. However, despite many attempts, you have been unsuccessful. Your home Wi-Fi network uses WPA2 Personal with AES encryption. Why are you finding it difficult to crack the Wi-Fi password?
Correct Answer: C
The network is using an uncrackable encryption method, which makes it difficult to crack the Wi-Fi password. WPA2 Personal with AES encryption is the strongest form of security offered by Wi-Fi devices at the moment, and it should be used for all purposes. AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard, and it is a symmetric-key algorithm that uses a 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit key to encrypt and decrypt data. AES is considered to be uncrackable by brute force attacks, as it would take an impractical amount of time and computational power to try all possible key combinations12. Therefore, unless you have access to the Wi-Fi password or the encryption key, you will not be able to decrypt the network traffic and crack the password. The other options are not correct for the following reasons: * A. The Wi-Fi password is too complex and long: This option is not relevant because the Wi-Fi password is not directly used to encrypt the network traffic. Instead, the password is used to generate a Pre-Shared Key (PSK), which is then used to derive a Pairwise Master Key (PMK), which is then used to derive a Pairwise Transient Key (PTK), which is then used to encrypt the data. Therefore, the complexity and length of the password do not affect the encryption strength, as long as the password is not easily guessed or leaked34. * B. Your hacking tool is outdated: This option is not plausible because even if your hacking tool is outdated, it would not affect your ability to capture the network traffic and attempt to crack the password. The hacking tool may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or protocols, but it should still be able to capture the raw data packets and save them in a file. The cracking process would depend on the encryption algorithm and the key, not on the hacking tool. * D. The network is using MAC address filtering: This option is not feasible because MAC address filtering is a technique that restricts network access and communication to trusted devices based on their MAC addresses, which are unique identifiers assigned to network interfaces. MAC address filtering can prevent unauthorized devices from joining the network, but it cannot prevent authorized devices from capturing the network traffic. Moreover, MAC address filtering can be easily bypassed by spoofing the MAC address of an allowed device56. References: * 1: What is AES Encryption and How Does it Work? | Kaspersky * 2: AES Encryption: Everything You Need to Know | Comparitech * 3: How Does WPA2 Work? | Techwalla * 4: How Does WPA2 Encryption Work? | Security Boulevard * 5: What is MAC Address Filtering? | Definition, Types & Examples - Fortinet * 6: How to Bypass MAC Address Filtering on Wireless Networks - Null Byte :: WonderHowTo
Question 64
Rebecca, a security professional, wants to authenticate employees who use web services for safe and secure communication. In this process, she employs a component of the Web Service Architecture, which is an extension of SOAP, and it can maintain the integrity and confidentiality of SOAP messages. Which of the following components of the Web Service Architecture is used by Rebecca for securing the communication?
Correct Answer: D
WS-Security (Web Services Security) is a protocol specification that provides a means for securing SOAP- based messages. It defines how to add authentication, encryption, and digital signatures to SOAP headers, helping ensure message integrity and confidentiality. According to CEH v13 Official Courseware: WS-Security is an extension of SOAP. It supports features such as: Authentication via tokens (e.g., username, X.509) Message integrity via digital signatures Message confidentiality via XML encryption Incorrect Options: A). WSDL (Web Services Description Language) describes the web service interface but does not provide security. B). WS Work Processes is not a defined web service security standard. C). WS-Policy allows expressing security requirements, but enforcement is handled by WS-Security. Reference - CEH v13 Official Courseware: Module 14: Hacking Web Applications Section: "Web Services Security" Subsection: "WS-* Standards"
Question 65
_________ is a type of phishing that targets high-profile executives such as CEOs, CFOs, politicians, and celebrities who have access to confidential and highly valuable information.