Quick Answer
The answer is weak service binary permissions. This is the most directly applicable technique because the scenario describes a Windows service running with SYSTEM privileges whose executable file can be modified by the Everyone group, allowing an attacker to replace the legitimate binary with a malicious one that will execute at the same high-integrity level upon service restart. On the CEH exam, this vector tests your ability to identify misconfigured file permissions as a privilege escalation path, often disguised in scenarios involving scheduled tasks or unquoted service paths—a common trap is confusing it with service path hijacking, but the key distinction here is the explicit write access to the binary itself. Remember the memory tip: if Everyone can write to the binary, you can swap it for SYSTEM.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a penetration test, you discover a Windows service running with SYSTEM privileges that has a weak file permission allowing the 'Everyone' group to modify its executable. Which privilege escalation technique is MOST directly applicable here?
Token impersonation
Why wrong: Token impersonation requires access to a token, not file modification.
Weak service binary permissions
Modifiable service binary allows privilege escalation by replacing the executable.
DLL hijacking
Why wrong: DLL hijacking involves replacing a missing DLL, not the service executable itself.
Unquoted service path
Why wrong: Unquoted service path exploits spaces in the path, not weak permissions.
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 binary permissions
Option B is correct because the scenario describes a Windows service executable with weak file permissions that allow the 'Everyone' group to modify it. This directly enables an attacker to replace the legitimate executable with a malicious one, which will then be executed with SYSTEM privileges when the service starts. This is the classic 'weak service binary permissions' privilege escalation vector, often exploited using tools like `icacls` or `accesschk` to identify the vulnerability.
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.
Token impersonation
Why it's wrong here
Token impersonation requires access to a token, not file modification.
Weak service binary permissions
Why this is correct
Modifiable service binary allows privilege escalation by replacing the executable.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DLL hijacking
Why it's wrong here
DLL hijacking involves replacing a missing DLL, not the service executable itself.
Unquoted service path
Why it's wrong here
Unquoted service path exploits spaces in the path, not weak permissions.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between modifying the service binary itself (weak binary permissions) versus exploiting path parsing (unquoted service path) or dependency loading (DLL hijacking), so candidates must focus on the specific permission weakness described.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Windows services are registered in the SCM (Service Control Manager) database with a binary path stored in the registry (e.g., `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\<ServiceName>`). Weak file permissions on the executable allow an attacker to overwrite it, and upon service restart (or system reboot), the malicious binary runs with the service's configured account (SYSTEM). In real-world engagements, this is often combined with `sc query` to enumerate services and `icacls` to check permissions, and the attack can be executed without triggering antivirus if the binary is replaced with a simple reverse shell.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
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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: Weak service binary permissions — Option B is correct because the scenario describes a Windows service executable with weak file permissions that allow the 'Everyone' group to modify it. This directly enables an attacker to replace the legitimate executable with a malicious one, which will then be executed with SYSTEM privileges when the service starts. This is the classic 'weak service binary permissions' privilege escalation vector, often exploited using tools like `icacls` or `accesschk` to identify the vulnerability.
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 30, 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.
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