The answer is to create a Volume Shadow Copy to access the SAM file. This step is missing because on Windows 10, the SAM database is locked by the operating system while running, preventing direct read access even with Administrator privileges; a Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) provides a point-in-time snapshot that bypasses this lock, allowing the penetration tester to dump SAM hashes from a live system without rebooting. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this technique tests your understanding of Windows security mechanisms and post-exploitation hash extraction, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly think elevated privileges alone suffice—a common trap. Remember the mnemonic “VSS Bypasses Locks” to recall that Volume Shadow Copies are the standard workaround for dumping SAM hashes on live Windows 10 systems.
CEH Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of vulnerability analysis and system hacking. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 is analyzing a Windows 10 system and runs the following command to dump password hashes from the SAM database. The output shows hashes for local users but some are missing. Which step is most likely missing?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a Volume Shadow Copy to access SAM file
On Windows 10, the SAM file is locked by the operating system while the system is running, preventing direct read access even with Administrator privileges. Creating a Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) allows the penetration tester to access a point-in-time snapshot of the SAM file, bypassing the lock. This is the standard technique for dumping password hashes from a live system without rebooting or using a boot disk.
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.
✗
Run the tool as Administrator
Why it's wrong here
Administrator privileges are required but not sufficient to read the locked SAM file directly.
✗
Use reg.exe save to export SAM hive
Why it's wrong here
The SAM hive is locked when the OS is running; reg save may fail without admin privileges or VSS.
✓
Create a Volume Shadow Copy to access SAM file
Why this is correct
VSS provides a read-only snapshot of the SAM file, bypassing the OS lock.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable SeDebugPrivilege for the current process
Why it's wrong here
SeDebugPrivilege is needed for process injection but does not unlock the SAM file.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume Administrator privileges alone are sufficient to read the SAM file, overlooking the fact that Windows locks the file even for administrators, and that VSS is the required bypass.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) creates a read-only snapshot of the volume at a specific point in time, allowing access to files that are otherwise locked. Tools like vssadmin or wmic can create the shadow copy, and then the SAM, SYSTEM, and SECURITY hives can be copied from the shadow copy path (e.g., \\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1\Windows\System32\config\SAM). This technique is commonly used in penetration testing and forensic acquisitions to extract password hashes without altering the live system.
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.
Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking — This question tests Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a Volume Shadow Copy to access SAM file — On Windows 10, the SAM file is locked by the operating system while the system is running, preventing direct read access even with Administrator privileges. Creating a Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) allows the penetration tester to access a point-in-time snapshot of the SAM file, bypassing the lock. This is the standard technique for dumping password hashes from a live system without rebooting or using a boot disk.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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