Quick Answer
The answer is the /etc/shadow file. This is correct because in modern Linux systems, the /etc/shadow file stores user account password hashes in a secure, root-only readable format, separating them from the world-readable /etc/passwd file to prevent offline cracking attempts. In the context of the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file system forensics and where critical authentication artifacts reside. A common trap is confusing /etc/passwd, which historically held hashes but now only contains user metadata, with /etc/shadow, the actual target for hash extraction during a forensic investigation. Remember that shadow literally “shadows” the password data away from prying eyes. For a quick memory tip: think of the word “shadow” as hiding the hash in the dark—only root can see it, making it the prime file for forensic analysis of compromised credentials.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. 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.
In Linux forensics, which file contains information about user account passwords in hashed form?
/etc/passwd
Why wrong: /etc/passwd stores user account information but not password hashes; they are stored in /etc/shadow.
/etc/shadow
/etc/shadow contains hashed passwords and password policy information.
/etc/group
Why wrong: /etc/group stores group membership information.
/var/log/auth.log
Why wrong: auth.log stores authentication logs, not password hashes.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/etc/shadow
The /etc/shadow file stores password hashes (in modern Linux systems). It is readable only by root.
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.
/etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
/etc/passwd stores user account information but not password hashes; they are stored in /etc/shadow.
/etc/shadow
Why this is correct
/etc/shadow contains hashed passwords and password policy information.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/etc/group
Why it's wrong here
/etc/group stores group membership information.
/var/log/auth.log
Why it's wrong here
auth.log stores authentication logs, not password hashes.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /etc/shadow — The /etc/shadow file stores password hashes (in modern Linux systems). It is readable only by root.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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