The answer is MySQL on port 3306, targeted via CVE-2016-6662, because this critical remote code execution vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious configuration directives into a crafted `my.cnf` file, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the MySQL daemon—often root—without requiring authentication or brute-forcing. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize high-impact, low-effort initial access vectors over noisy or credential-dependent services like SSH or HTTP; the trap is to overlook MySQL as a database service and assume it requires prior access. A common memory tip is to remember that CVE-2016-6662 exploits MySQL’s configuration file write mechanism, so when you see an open MySQL port in a target scan, think “my.cnf = my entry” for a stealthy, root-level foothold.
CEH Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of vulnerability analysis and system hacking. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Target: 192.168.1.10
Port scanning results:
PORT STATE SERVICE
22/tcp open ssh
80/tcp open http
443/tcp open https
3306/tcp open mysql
8080/tcp open http-proxy
Vulnerability scan summary:
- SSH: OpenSSH 7.2p2 (CVE-2016-6210 - High)
- HTTP: Apache 2.4.7 (CVE-2015-0228 - Medium)
- MySQL: MySQL 5.5.52 (CVE-2016-6662 - Critical)
- Proxy: Squid 3.5.23 (CVE-2019-12524 - High)
Based on the exhibit, which service should be targeted first to gain initial access with the highest chance of success?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Refer to the exhibit.
Target: 192.168.1.10
Port scanning results:
PORT STATE SERVICE
22/tcp open ssh
80/tcp open http
443/tcp open https
3306/tcp open mysql
8080/tcp open http-proxy
Vulnerability scan summary:
- SSH: OpenSSH 7.2p2 (CVE-2016-6210 - High)
- HTTP: Apache 2.4.7 (CVE-2015-0228 - Medium)
- MySQL: MySQL 5.5.52 (CVE-2016-6662 - Critical)
- Proxy: Squid 3.5.23 (CVE-2019-12524 - High)
A
HTTP (80) - exploit Apache vulnerability
Why wrong: CVE-2015-0228 is a mod_lua DoS, not RCE; low severity.
B
SSH (22) - brute force user credentials
Why wrong: CVE-2016-6210 is a user enumeration flaw, not remote code execution; brute force is noisy and time-consuming.
C
Proxy (8080) - exploit Squid vulnerability
Why wrong: CVE-2019-12524 is a DoS or cache poisoning, not direct RCE; less effective for initial access.
D
MySQL (3306) - exploit CVE-2016-6662
This critical vulnerability allows remote code execution without authentication, making it the best initial vector.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
MySQL (3306) - exploit CVE-2016-6662
MySQL (3306) is the correct target because CVE-2016-6662 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability in MySQL that allows an attacker to inject malicious configuration directives via a crafted `my.cnf` file, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the MySQL daemon (typically root). This provides a reliable, high-impact initial access vector without requiring authentication or brute-forcing, making it the highest-chance option among the listed services.
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.
✗
HTTP (80) - exploit Apache vulnerability
Why it's wrong here
CVE-2015-0228 is a mod_lua DoS, not RCE; low severity.
✗
SSH (22) - brute force user credentials
Why it's wrong here
CVE-2016-6210 is a user enumeration flaw, not remote code execution; brute force is noisy and time-consuming.
✗
Proxy (8080) - exploit Squid vulnerability
Why it's wrong here
CVE-2019-12524 is a DoS or cache poisoning, not direct RCE; less effective for initial access.
✓
MySQL (3306) - exploit CVE-2016-6662
Why this is correct
This critical vulnerability allows remote code execution without authentication, making it the best initial vector.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that HTTP or SSH are always the easiest initial footholds, but in this scenario the MySQL CVE-2016-6662 exploit is a known, high-success-rate vector that requires no brute-forcing or version guessing, making it the most reliable choice for initial access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CVE-2016-6662 exploits MySQL's ability to write configuration files via the `SELECT ... INTO OUTFILE` or `INTO DUMPFILE` commands, combined with a symlink attack or direct file write to overwrite `my.cnf`. When MySQL is restarted (or via a trigger), the malicious config loads a shared library that executes arbitrary code. This attack works even with low-privileged MySQL users if file write permissions are lax, and it bypasses authentication because the exploit occurs before the MySQL authentication layer is fully initialized.
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: MySQL (3306) - exploit CVE-2016-6662 — MySQL (3306) is the correct target because CVE-2016-6662 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability in MySQL that allows an attacker to inject malicious configuration directives via a crafted `my.cnf` file, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the MySQL daemon (typically root). This provides a reliable, high-impact initial access vector without requiring authentication or brute-forcing, making it the highest-chance option among the listed services.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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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