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 components of the CHPSET system hacking methodology?
Port scanning
Why wrong: Port scanning is part of reconnaissance, not system hacking.
Vulnerability scanning
Why wrong: Vulnerability scanning is separate.
Cracking passwords
Cracking is the first step.
Privilege escalation
Escalation is a key phase.
Erasing tracks
Erasing tracks is the final step.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Cracking passwords
Options A, B, and E are correct. CHPSET stands for Cracking passwords, Hiding files, Privilege escalation, Executing applications, Spying, and Erasing tracks.
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.
Port scanning
Why it's wrong here
Port scanning is part of reconnaissance, not system hacking.
Vulnerability scanning
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is separate.
Cracking passwords
Why this is correct
Cracking is the first step.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Privilege escalation
Why this is correct
Escalation is a key phase.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Erasing tracks
Why this is correct
Erasing tracks is the final step.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 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
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.
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FAQ
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Cracking passwords — Options A, B, and E are correct. CHPSET stands for Cracking passwords, Hiding files, Privilege escalation, Executing applications, Spying, and Erasing tracks.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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