The answer is anti-virus disabled, hidden processes, and C2 connections. Rootkits are designed to achieve deep system persistence by hooking into the operating system kernel, allowing them to mask their own processes, files, and registry keys from standard administrative tools while simultaneously disabling security software to avoid detection. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this concept tests your understanding of post-exploitation persistence and evasion techniques; a common trap is confusing generic malware indicators like altered file hashes with rootkit-specific signs, since rootkits specifically hide rather than merely alter. A reliable memory tip is the “H-D-C” triad: Hidden processes, Disabled defenses, and C2 communications—if you see all three together, you are almost certainly dealing with a rootkit compromise.
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.
Which THREE of the following are indicators that a system has been compromised by a rootkit? (Select 3)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Anti-virus software is disabled and cannot be restarted
Rootkits hide processes, files, and registry keys. Common signs include hidden processes, unexplained network connections, and disabled security tools. Altered file hashes are also indicators but are more generic.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Anti-virus software is disabled and cannot be restarted
Why this is correct
Rootkits may disable security software to avoid detection.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Hidden processes that do not appear in process lists
Why this is correct
Rootkits can hide processes from standard tools.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Unexplained network connections to known command-and-control servers
Why this is correct
Rootkits often maintain C2 connections.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Event logs show repeated successful logins from unknown IPs
Why it's wrong here
This could indicate password guessing, not specifically rootkit.
✗
Increased disk space usage without explanation
Why it's wrong here
This could be due to many reasons; not a direct rootkit indicator.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
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.
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Anti-virus software is disabled and cannot be restarted — Rootkits hide processes, files, and registry keys. Common signs include hidden processes, unexplained network connections, and disabled security tools. Altered file hashes are also indicators but are more generic.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.