Quick Answer
The answer is erasing tracks, as the combination of a truncated /var/log/auth.log and the `LogLevel QUIET` setting in /etc/ssh/sshd_config directly obscures forensic evidence of unauthorized access. By setting the SSH daemon to suppress authentication logging, the attacker prevents new entries from being recorded, while truncating the existing log file removes prior evidence of their login. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the post-exploitation phase where attackers actively modify logs and system configurations to avoid detection—a classic trap is confusing this with privilege escalation or maintaining access, but the focus here is on evidence removal. Remember the mnemonic “QUIET logs get TRUNCATED” to link the sshd_config directive with the log file manipulation, reinforcing that erasing tracks is about destroying or suppressing audit trails rather than gaining or keeping access.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration 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.
A forensic analyst examining a compromised Linux system finds the following entry in /var/log/auth.log: `Mar 15 10:23:45 server sshd[1234]: Accepted password for root from 10.0.0.5 port 54321 ssh2`. However, the analyst also notices that /var/log/auth.log has been truncated and the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file contains `LogLevel QUIET`. Which attack phase is most likely being obscured?
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.
Privilege escalation
Why wrong: Privilege escalation would involve gaining higher privileges, not altering logs.
Executing applications
Why wrong: Executing applications does not typically involve log manipulation.
Spying
Why wrong: Spying might involve monitoring, but log tampering is specifically to hide actions.
Erasing tracks
Truncating logs and reducing logging levels are classic techniques to cover tracks.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Erasing tracks
The presence of `LogLevel QUIET` in sshd_config suppresses all authentication log entries, and the truncation of /var/log/auth.log indicates an attempt to remove evidence of unauthorized access. Together, these actions are classic examples of erasing tracks, as the attacker is modifying logs and configuration to hide their activities from forensic analysis.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Privilege escalation
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation would involve gaining higher privileges, not altering logs.
Executing applications
Why it's wrong here
Executing applications does not typically involve log manipulation.
Spying
Why it's wrong here
Spying might involve monitoring, but log tampering is specifically to hide actions.
Erasing tracks
Why this is correct
Truncating logs and reducing logging levels are classic techniques to cover tracks.
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
The trap here is that candidates may confuse log manipulation with privilege escalation or execution phases, but the CEH exam specifically tests the 'Erasing Tracks' phase (part of the System Hacking domain) where attackers modify or delete logs, alter timestamps, or disable auditing to avoid detection.
Detailed technical explanation
The `LogLevel QUIET` directive in sshd_config (RFC 4253) disables all logging of authentication attempts, including successful logins, to syslog. Combined with manual truncation of /var/log/auth.log (e.g., using `> /var/log/auth.log` or `journalctl --rotate`), this effectively removes the attacker's entry point from the audit trail. In real-world intrusions, attackers often use `LogLevel QUIET` to avoid generating logs during their session, then truncate existing logs to eliminate evidence of prior brute-force or credential abuse.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Erasing tracks — The presence of `LogLevel QUIET` in sshd_config suppresses all authentication log entries, and the truncation of /var/log/auth.log indicates an attempt to remove evidence of unauthorized access. Together, these actions are classic examples of erasing tracks, as the attacker is modifying logs and configuration to hide their activities from forensic analysis.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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