Quick Answer
The answer is to escalate privileges to root. UID 0 is the numeric identifier reserved exclusively for the root user in Linux, so altering any user’s UID to 0 in the /etc/passwd file instantly grants that account the same unrestricted system-level access as root, bypassing normal authentication controls. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Unix/Linux privilege escalation techniques and file integrity forensics; a common trap is confusing UID changes with GID changes or assuming password hashes alone grant root access. Remember that the kernel checks UID, not the username, for privilege decisions—so a simple edit to /etc/passwd can turn a standard user into root. Memory tip: “Zero is the hero” for root’s UID.
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.
An attacker has compromised a Linux server and edited the /etc/passwd file to change a user's UID to 0. What is the likely goal of this modification?
To lock the user account
Why wrong: Locking is done by setting the password field to '!', not by UID.
To escalate privileges to root
UID 0 gives root-level access.
To enable password-less login
Why wrong: Password-less login requires other configurations.
To hide the user account from the system
Why wrong: UID change does not hide the account.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
To escalate privileges to root
UID 0 is the root user. Changing a user's UID to 0 grants that user root privileges, providing privileged 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.
To lock the user account
Why it's wrong here
Locking is done by setting the password field to '!', not by UID.
To escalate privileges to root
Why this is correct
UID 0 gives root-level access.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
To enable password-less login
Why it's wrong here
Password-less login requires other configurations.
To hide the user account from the system
Why it's wrong here
UID change does not hide the account.
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.
OS and Network Forensics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
OS and Network Forensics practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: To escalate privileges to root — UID 0 is the root user. Changing a user's UID to 0 grants that user root privileges, providing privileged 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.