The answer is Apache Tomcat 8.5.5, as it is the service most likely vulnerable to remote code execution based on the Nmap scan output. This is due to the Ghostcat vulnerability (CVE-2020-1938), which exploits the Apache JServ Protocol (AJP) connector listening on port 8009, allowing an attacker to read or execute arbitrary files on the server without authentication. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to map a specific service version to a known high-severity CVE, often presented in a port-scanning question where port 8009 is the critical giveaway. A common trap is confusing the AJP port with the standard HTTP port 8080, but remember: Ghostcat lives on 8009, not 8080. For a quick memory tip, think “Ghost on 8009” — the ghost haunts the AJP connector, not the web interface.
CEH Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of vulnerability analysis 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
$ nmap -sV -p 22,80,443,8080 192.168.1.10
Starting Nmap 7.80 ( https://nmap.org ) at 2025-01-15 10:00 UTC
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.10
Host is up (0.0010s latency).
PORT STATE SERVICE VERSION
22/tcp open ssh OpenSSH 7.2p2 Ubuntu 4ubuntu2.10
80/tcp open http Apache httpd 2.4.18 ((Ubuntu))
443/tcp open ssl/http Apache httpd 2.4.18 ((Ubuntu))
8080/tcp open http Apache Tomcat 8.5.5
MAC Address: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E (Unknown)
Service detection performed. Please report any incorrect results at https://nmap.org/submit/
Nmap done: 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 12.34 seconds
```
Based on the Nmap scan output, which service is most likely vulnerable to remote code execution?
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.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
$ nmap -sV -p 22,80,443,8080 192.168.1.10
Starting Nmap 7.80 ( https://nmap.org ) at 2025-01-15 10:00 UTC
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.10
Host is up (0.0010s latency).
PORT STATE SERVICE VERSION
22/tcp open ssh OpenSSH 7.2p2 Ubuntu 4ubuntu2.10
80/tcp open http Apache httpd 2.4.18 ((Ubuntu))
443/tcp open ssl/http Apache httpd 2.4.18 ((Ubuntu))
8080/tcp open http Apache Tomcat 8.5.5
MAC Address: 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E (Unknown)
Service detection performed. Please report any incorrect results at https://nmap.org/submit/
Nmap done: 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 12.34 seconds
```
A
MAC Address 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
Why wrong: MAC address is not a service.
B
Apache httpd 2.4.18
Why wrong: Apache 2.4.18 has vulnerabilities but not typically RCE.
C
OpenSSH 7.2p2
Why wrong: OpenSSH 7.2p2 has vulnerabilities but not commonly RCE.
D
Apache Tomcat 8.5.5
Tomcat 8.5.5 is vulnerable to Ghostcat (CVE-2020-1938) which allows RCE.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apache Tomcat 8.5.5
Apache Tomcat 8.5.5 is known to be vulnerable to remote code execution (RCE) via the Ghostcat vulnerability (CVE-2020-1938), which exploits the AJP connector on port 8009. This allows an attacker to read or execute arbitrary files on the server, making it the most likely candidate for RCE 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.
Apache 2.4.18 has vulnerabilities but not typically RCE.
✗
OpenSSH 7.2p2
Why it's wrong here
OpenSSH 7.2p2 has vulnerabilities but not commonly RCE.
✓
Apache Tomcat 8.5.5
Why this is correct
Tomcat 8.5.5 is vulnerable to Ghostcat (CVE-2020-1938) which allows RCE.
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that a common service like Apache httpd or OpenSSH is the most vulnerable, but the trap here is that the AJP connector on Tomcat (port 8009) is frequently overlooked, yet it provides a direct path to RCE via Ghostcat.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Ghostcat vulnerability (CVE-2020-1938) in Apache Tomcat 8.5.5 leverages the AJP (Apache JServ Protocol) connector, which by default listens on TCP port 8009. An attacker can send a crafted AJP request with a manipulated 'javax.servlet.include.request_uri' attribute to read or execute files outside the web root, including web application configuration files or even deploy malicious code. This attack does not require authentication and can be executed with tools like Metasploit or custom Python scripts, making it a critical risk in internal network scans.
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 practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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: Apache Tomcat 8.5.5 — Apache Tomcat 8.5.5 is known to be vulnerable to remote code execution (RCE) via the Ghostcat vulnerability (CVE-2020-1938), which exploits the AJP connector on port 8009. This allows an attacker to read or execute arbitrary files on the server, making it the most likely candidate for RCE 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: "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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