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 phase of the system hacking methodology (CHPSET) involves hiding files from the operating system using techniques such as rootkits or steganography?
Cracking passwords
Why wrong: Cracking is the first phase (C).
Erasing tracks
Why wrong: Erasing tracks is the last phase, covering log manipulation.
Executing applications
Why wrong: Executing is the E phase.
Hiding files
Hiding files involves concealing malicious files.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Hiding files
The 'Hiding files' phase of the CHPSET (Cracking passwords, Hacking, Privilege escalation, Spying, Erasing tracks, Executing applications, Hiding files) methodology involves concealing malicious files from the operating system and security tools. Techniques such as rootkits (which hook system calls like NtQueryDirectoryFile to hide files from directory listings) and steganography (embedding data within innocent files like images or audio) are used to avoid detection. This phase directly follows 'Executing applications' and ensures the attacker's payload remains persistent and covert.
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.
Cracking passwords
Why it's wrong here
Cracking is the first phase (C).
Erasing tracks
Why it's wrong here
Erasing tracks is the last phase, covering log manipulation.
Executing applications
Why it's wrong here
Executing is the E phase.
Hiding files
Why this is correct
Hiding files involves concealing malicious files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'Erasing tracks' (clearing logs) with 'Hiding files' (concealing the files themselves), but the CEH CHPSET model separates these as distinct phases—'Hiding files' specifically refers to techniques like rootkits and steganography that hide the file from the OS, not just removing evidence of its execution.
Detailed technical explanation
Rootkits operate at the kernel level by intercepting system calls (e.g., via SSDT hooking on Windows) to filter out their files from API responses like `FindFirstFile`/`FindNextFile`. Steganography, such as LSB (Least Significant Bit) embedding in PNG images, alters pixel data imperceptibly to hide payloads, which can then be extracted using tools like `steghide`. In real-world scenarios, attackers combine both—e.g., using a kernel-mode rootkit to hide a steganography tool that extracts C2 commands from a benign-looking JPEG.
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: Hiding files — The 'Hiding files' phase of the CHPSET (Cracking passwords, Hacking, Privilege escalation, Spying, Erasing tracks, Executing applications, Hiding files) methodology involves concealing malicious files from the operating system and security tools. Techniques such as rootkits (which hook system calls like NtQueryDirectoryFile to hide files from directory listings) and steganography (embedding data within innocent files like images or audio) are used to avoid detection. This phase directly follows 'Executing applications' and ensures the attacker's payload remains persistent and covert.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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