This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A forensic examiner finds a suspicious entry in the Linux file /etc/passwd: 'backdoor:x:0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash'. What is the MOST significant security issue with this entry?
The entry has no password hash
Why wrong: The 'x' indicates password is stored in /etc/shadow, which is standard.
The home directory is set to /root
Why wrong: Home directory being /root is atypical but not the main security issue.
The UID is 0, granting root privileges
UID 0 means root-level access; a backdoor account with UID 0 is a critical backdoor.
The shell is /bin/bash
Why wrong: Bash is a normal shell.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The UID is 0, granting root privileges
A UID of 0 gives root privileges; the username 'backdoor' with UID 0 indicates a backdoor account with superuser access.
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.
The entry has no password hash
Why it's wrong here
The 'x' indicates password is stored in /etc/shadow, which is standard.
The home directory is set to /root
Why it's wrong here
Home directory being /root is atypical but not the main security issue.
The UID is 0, granting root privileges
Why this is correct
UID 0 means root-level access; a backdoor account with UID 0 is a critical backdoor.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
The shell is /bin/bash
Why it's wrong here
Bash is a normal shell.
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 CHFI questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: The UID is 0, granting root privileges — A UID of 0 gives root privileges; the username 'backdoor' with UID 0 indicates a backdoor account with superuser access.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CHFI questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CHFI 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 CHFI exam.
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