The correct answer is Erasing tracks and Spying. This is because the attacker’s actions map directly to two distinct phases of the CHPSET methodology: editing `.bash_history` and modifying logs in `/var/log` constitutes erasing tracks, while installing a kernel module to hide processes enables spying by allowing continued covert monitoring without detection. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between post-exploitation cleanup and persistent surveillance—a common trap is confusing spying with privilege escalation or executing applications. The search intent “erasing tracks spying system hacking methodology chpset” highlights how these steps often overlap in practice, as an attacker must both remove evidence and maintain access. A useful memory tip: think of “erase the past, spy on the present”—the `.bash_history` and log edits clean up what happened, while the kernel module keeps the attacker invisibly watching for future activity.
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.
An attacker has gained access to a Linux server and wants to cover their tracks. They edit the `.bash_history` file, modify system logs in `/var/log`, and install a kernel module that hides their processes. Which two steps of the system hacking methodology (CHPSET) are being performed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Erasing tracks and Spying
The attacker is performing 'Erasing tracks' by editing .bash_history and modifying logs in /var/log, and 'Spying' by installing a kernel module to hide processes, which allows continued covert monitoring. These correspond to the 'Erasing tracks' and 'Spying' steps in the CHPSET (Cracking, Hacking, Privilege escalation, Spying, Executing applications, Erasing tracks) methodology.
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.
✗
Erasing tracks and Privilege escalation
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation is not performed; the attacker already has access.
✗
Cracking passwords and Covering tracks
Why it's wrong here
No password cracking is occurring; covering tracks includes erasing tracks and spying.
✓
Erasing tracks and Spying
Why this is correct
Cleaning logs and history is erasing tracks; installing a kernel module to hide processes is spying (maintaining access).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Executing applications and Spying
Why it's wrong here
Executing applications is not directly exhibited; the module is for spying/hiding.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing 'Erasing tracks' with 'Covering tracks' (they are the same step) and failing to recognize that installing a kernel module to hide processes is a spying/monitoring activity, not privilege escalation or executing applications.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The CHPSET methodology is a CEH-specific mnemonic: Cracking (password attacks), Hacking (gaining access), Privilege escalation (elevating rights), Spying (monitoring/surveillance), Executing applications (running payloads), Erasing tracks (cleaning logs, history). Kernel modules like LKMs (Loadable Kernel Modules) can hook syscalls (e.g., sys_getdents) to hide processes from /proc, making them invisible to tools like ps and top, which is a classic rootkit technique for spying.
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: Erasing tracks and Spying — The attacker is performing 'Erasing tracks' by editing .bash_history and modifying logs in /var/log, and 'Spying' by installing a kernel module to hide processes, which allows continued covert monitoring. These correspond to the 'Erasing tracks' and 'Spying' steps in the CHPSET (Cracking, Hacking, Privilege escalation, Spying, Executing applications, Erasing tracks) methodology.
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.
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Question Discussion
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