CEH Practice Question: Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks
Which type of malware spreads by replicating itself across a network without requiring a host file to attach to?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common trap on the CEH exam is confusing 'self-replication' with 'requires a host file'—a worm replicates independently across a network, while a virus must attach to a host file to propagate.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Worm
A worm is a standalone malware that replicates itself across a network without needing a host file, exploiting vulnerabilities or using network protocols like SMB, RDP, or email to spread autonomously. Unlike viruses, worms do not attach to a host program; they self-propagate via network connections, often consuming bandwidth and system resources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Trojan
Why it's wrong here
Trojans disguise as legitimate software but do not self-replicate.
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Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encrypts files and demands ransom; it does not typically self-replicate.
- ✓
Worm
Why this is correct
Worms self-propagate across networks independently.
- ✗
Virus
Why it's wrong here
Viruses need a host file to attach to and spread.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.