The answer is to exploit the Linux SUID find privilege escalation by running `find / -exec /bin/sh \;`, which spawns a root shell. This works because the SUID bit on the `find` command forces it to execute with the permissions of the file owner—typically root—rather than the current user. The `-exec` option then allows arbitrary command execution within that elevated context, so any command passed to it, such as `/bin/sh`, inherits root privileges. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of SUID misconfigurations as a common privilege escalation vector, often appearing in the system hacking or post-exploitation domains. A frequent trap is forgetting that `find` itself must be owned by root and have the SUID bit set; otherwise, the exploit fails. Memory tip: think “Find and exec to flex your root access”—the `-exec` flag is the key that turns a file search into a shell.
CEH Enumeration and System Hacking Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. 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.
A penetration tester discovers a Linux server with the SUID bit set on the 'find' command. How could this be exploited for privilege escalation?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
By running 'find / -exec /bin/sh \;' to spawn a root shell
When the SUID bit is set on the 'find' command, it executes with the privileges of the file owner (typically root). The '-exec' option allows arbitrary command execution. Running 'find / -exec /bin/sh \;' spawns a shell with root privileges, enabling full system compromise.
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.
✗
By using 'find' to delete log files
Why it's wrong here
Deleting logs is a covering tracks technique, not privilege escalation.
✗
By using 'find' to search for files owned by root
Why it's wrong here
Searching files does not escalate privileges; the SUID bit allows executing commands as the file owner.
✗
By using 'find' to mount a remote share
Why it's wrong here
Mounting shares is not directly related to SUID abuse.
✓
By running 'find / -exec /bin/sh \;' to spawn a root shell
Why this is correct
If find has SUID root, the -exec option runs commands with root privileges, spawning a root shell.
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 may think SUID only applies to obvious binaries like 'passwd' or 'sudo', but CEH tests the lesser-known fact that any binary with SUID and command execution capability (like 'find' with '-exec') can be exploited for privilege escalation.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Searching files does not escalate privileges; the SUID bit allows executing commands as the file owner.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The SUID (Set User ID) bit, when set on an executable, causes the process to run with the effective UID of the file owner. For 'find', the '-exec' parameter executes a command for each found file; if 'find' is owned by root and SUID is set, the spawned shell runs as root. This is a classic Linux privilege escalation vector, often tested in CTF scenarios and real-world assessments where administrators mistakenly set SUID on common binaries.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: By running 'find / -exec /bin/sh \;' to spawn a root shell — When the SUID bit is set on the 'find' command, it executes with the privileges of the file owner (typically root). The '-exec' option allows arbitrary command execution. Running 'find / -exec /bin/sh \;' spawns a shell with root privileges, enabling full system compromise.
What should I do if I get this CEH 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
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Variation 1. During a penetration test, a tester gains a low-privilege shell on a Linux server. The command `sudo -l` reveals that the user can run `/usr/bin/find` as root. Which technique can the tester use to escalate privileges?
medium
A.Abuse the SUID bit on find
✓ B.Use find with the -exec flag to spawn a shell
C.Exploit a kernel vulnerability
D.Run a buffer overflow on the find binary
Why B: The `find` command has a `-exec` option that can execute arbitrary commands. With sudo access, the tester can run `sudo find . -exec /bin/sh \;` to obtain a root shell.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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