CEH Enumeration and System Hacking Practice Question
After successfully exploiting a system, an attacker uses the command 'wevtutil cl system' on a Windows target. What is the MOST likely purpose of this command?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse 'wevtutil cl' with exporting or disabling logs, but the 'cl' parameter specifically means 'clear', and the command is a common post-exploitation anti-forensics technique tested in CEH.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To clear the system event log
The command 'wevtutil cl system' is used to clear the System event log on a Windows system. After successfully exploiting a target, an attacker would use this command to erase traces of their activities, such as log entries generated by their tools or actions, thereby hindering forensic analysis. The 'cl' parameter stands for 'clear log', and 'system' specifies the System log.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To export event logs to a file
Why it's wrong here
The `wevtutil cl` command is specifically designed to clear the contents of an event log, not to export them. To export event logs to a file, an attacker would typically use `wevtutil export-log` or `wevtutil el`, specifying the log name and a destination file path. This command's function is to remove existing entries, not to save them for external analysis.
- ✗
To disable Windows event logging
Why it's wrong here
The `wevtutil cl` command only clears existing entries from a specified event log at a particular moment; it does not disable the Windows Event Log service itself or prevent future events from being recorded. Disabling event logging requires more persistent actions, such as stopping the 'Windows Event Log' service, modifying its startup type, or configuring relevant Group Policy settings to cease event collection entirely.
- ✓
To clear the system event log
Why this is correct
The `wevtutil cl` command is the correct and primary method for clearing the contents of a designated Windows event log from the command line. When executed with a log name, such as `wevtutil cl System`, it effectively purges all recorded events from that specific log. This action is a common anti-forensics technique used by attackers to remove evidence of their activities and hinder incident response efforts.
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To create a new event log entry
Why it's wrong here
The `wevtutil cl` command's 'cl' parameter stands for 'clear-log' and is exclusively used for deleting entries from an existing event log, not for creating new ones. To generate a new event log entry, an attacker would employ different utilities like `eventcreate.exe`, PowerShell's `Write-EventLog` cmdlet, or custom scripts interacting with the Windows Event Log API to inject specific event data.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CEH exam.