Quick Answer
The answer is rootkit installation via binary replacement. This technique works because the attacker swaps out legitimate system binaries—such as ls, ps, netstat, or top—with trojaned versions that filter out any evidence of the rootkit’s processes, files, or network connections, effectively hiding the malware from standard administrative tools. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this concept tests your understanding of how attackers maintain persistent access while evading detection at the operating system level, often appearing in questions about post-exploitation and covering tracks. A common trap is confusing binary replacement with DLL injection or kernel-level rootkits, but remember: binary replacement specifically targets user-space executables in directories like /bin or /usr/bin. Memory tip: think “swap and hide”—the attacker swaps the binary to hide the malware.
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.
An attacker has compromised a Linux machine and wants to hide a rootkit by replacing system binaries with trojaned versions. Which technique is being used to maintain persistent access while evading detection?
Log manipulation
Why wrong: Log manipulation cleans logs, not binaries.
Token impersonation
Why wrong: Token impersonation is a privilege escalation technique, not for hiding.
Steganography
Why wrong: Steganography hides data in files, not binaries.
Rootkit installation via binary replacement
Rootkits often replace system binaries to hide malicious activity.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Rootkit installation via binary replacement
Replacing system binaries (e.g., ls, ps, netstat) with trojaned versions that hide the attacker's processes is a classic rootkit technique to cover tracks.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Log manipulation
Why it's wrong here
Log manipulation cleans logs, not binaries.
Token impersonation
Why it's wrong here
Token impersonation is a privilege escalation technique, not for hiding.
Steganography
Why it's wrong here
Steganography hides data in files, not binaries.
Rootkit installation via binary replacement
Why this is correct
Rootkits often replace system binaries to hide malicious activity.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CEH NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Rootkit installation via binary replacement — Replacing system binaries (e.g., ls, ps, netstat) with trojaned versions that hide the attacker's processes is a classic rootkit technique to cover tracks.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CEH NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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.
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