Quick Answer
The answer is weak service permissions. This technique is correct because when the binary path of a service running as SYSTEM is writable by the Everyone group, an attacker can simply replace the legitimate executable with a malicious one; upon the next service restart or system reboot, the malicious binary executes with the full privileges of the service account, typically SYSTEM, granting the attacker elevated control. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Windows privilege escalation vectors, often appearing in a multiple-choice format where you must distinguish weak service permissions from other techniques like unquoted service paths or DLL hijacking. A common trap is confusing a writable binary with a writable service registry key—the key difference is that here the attacker directly overwrites the executable file. Remember the mnemonic: “Write the binary, own the SYSTEM.”
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.
After gaining initial access, an attacker attempts to escalate privileges by exploiting a misconfigured service running as SYSTEM. They find that the service's binary path is writable by the Everyone group. Which privilege escalation technique is the attacker MOST likely using?
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.
SUID/GUID abuse
Why wrong: SUID/GUID abuse applies to Unix/Linux systems.
Unquoted service path
Why wrong: Unquoted service path exploits spaces in path names.
Weak service permissions
Writable service binary is a weak permission vulnerability.
Token impersonation
Why wrong: Token impersonation uses existing access tokens, not service binary replacement.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Weak service permissions
A writable service binary allows an attacker to replace the executable with a malicious one, which will run with the service's privileges (SYSTEM).
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SUID/GUID abuse
Why it's wrong here
SUID/GUID abuse applies to Unix/Linux systems.
Unquoted service path
Why it's wrong here
Unquoted service path exploits spaces in path names.
Weak service permissions
Why this is correct
Writable service binary is a weak permission vulnerability.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Token impersonation
Why it's wrong here
Token impersonation uses existing access tokens, not service binary replacement.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CEH questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Enumeration and System Hacking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Enumeration and System Hacking practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CEH questions
1,010 questions across all exam domains
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CEH practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning.
Practise CEH questions linked to Enumeration and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Web Application and Injection Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Introduction to Ethical Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Scanning Networks and Enumeration.
Practise CEH questions linked to Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting and Reconnaissance.
Practise CEH questions linked to Network and Web Application Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security.
Practise CEH questions linked to Cryptography and Malware Analysis.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Weak service permissions — A writable service binary allows an attacker to replace the executable with a malicious one, which will run with the service's privileges (SYSTEM).
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CEH questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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.
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.