Pass the ECCouncil CEH v13 312-50v13 Questions and answers with CertsForce

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Script Kiddies are individuals with minimal technical skills who use existing tools or scripts developed by others to perform attacks. They generally do not understand the underlying mechanisms and rely on publicly available hacking tools.

From CEH v13 Official Study Guide:

Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking → Hacker Types

“Script kiddies are unskilled attackers who use tools created by others.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

An Xmas scan is a type of stealth TCP scan that sets the FIN, PSH, and URG flags. According to RFC 793:

If the port is closed, the target responds with a TCP RST (Reset) packet.

If the port is open or filtered, there is no response.

Thus, receiving a RST response indicates a closed port.

From CEH v13 Courseware:

Module 3: Scanning Networks → TCP Flag Scanning Techniques

In a Windows network, nongovernmental organization (New Technology) local area network Manager (NTLM) could be a suite of Microsoft security protocols supposed to produce authentication, integrity, and confidentiality to users.NTLM is that the successor to the authentication protocol in Microsoft local area network Manager (LANMAN), Associate in Nursing older Microsoft product. The NTLM protocol suite is enforced in an exceedingly Security Support supplier, which mixes the local area network Manager authentication protocol, NTLMv1, NTLMv2 and NTLM2 Session protocols in an exceedingly single package. whether or not these protocols area unit used or will be used on a system is ruled by cluster Policy settings, that totally different|completely different} versions of Windows have different default settings. NTLM passwords area unit thought-about weak as a result of they will be brute-forced very simply with fashionable hardware.

NTLM could be a challenge-response authentication protocol that uses 3 messages to authenticate a consumer in an exceedingly affiliation orientating setting (connectionless is similar), and a fourth extra message if integrity is desired.

First, the consumer establishes a network path to the server and sends a NEGOTIATE_MESSAGE advertising its capabilities.

Next, the server responds with CHALLENGE_MESSAGE that is employed to determine the identity of the consumer.

Finally, the consumer responds to the challenge with Associate in Nursing AUTHENTICATE_MESSAGE.

The NTLM protocol uses one or each of 2 hashed word values, each of that are keep on the server (or domain controller), and that through a scarcity of seasoning area unit word equivalent, that means that if you grab the hash price from the server, you’ll evidence while not knowing the particular word. the 2 area unit the lm Hash (a DES-based operate applied to the primary fourteen chars of the word born-again to the standard eight bit laptop charset for the language), and also the nt Hash (MD4 of the insufficient endian UTF-16 Unicode password). each hash values area unit sixteen bytes (128 bits) every.

The NTLM protocol additionally uses one among 2 a method functions, looking on the NTLM version. National Trust LanMan and NTLM version one use the DES primarily based LanMan a method operate (LMOWF), whereas National TrustLMv2 uses the NT MD4 primarily based a method operate (NTOWF).

Blind SQL Injection is a type of SQL injection attack where no error messages or data are directly returned to the attacker. Instead, the attacker sends specially crafted SQL queries that result in true or false responses. Based on how the application responds (such as redirecting to a different page or loading time), the attacker infers information about the backend database.

According to CEH v13:

Blind SQLi is used when standard SQL injection yields no visible output.

It comes in two forms:

Boolean-based: Infers information based on application behavior.

Time-based: Infers information based on server response time delays.

Incorrect Options:

A. Time-based SQLi is a sub-type of Blind SQLi, but the question describes Boolean-based behavior.

B. Union SQL injection uses the UNION keyword to fetch additional rows; requires visible output.

C. Error-based SQL injection relies on database error messages.

Reference – CEH v13 Official Courseware:

Module 14: Hacking Web Applications

Section: “Types of SQL Injection”

Subsection: “Blind SQL Injection (Boolean and Time-Based)”

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Kernel-mode rootkits run with the best operating system privileges (Ring 0) by adding code or replacement parts of the core operating system, as well as each the kernel and associated device drivers. Most operative systems support kernel-mode device drivers, that execute with a similar privileges because the software itself. As such, several kernel-mode rootkits square measure developed as device drivers or loadable modules, like loadable kernel modules in Linux or device drivers in Microsoft Windows. This category of rootkit has unrestricted security access, however is tougher to jot down. The quality makes bugs common, and any bugs in code operative at the kernel level could seriously impact system stability, resulting in discovery of the rootkit. one amongst the primary wide familiar kernel rootkits was developed for Windows NT four.0 and discharged in Phrack magazine in 1999 by Greg Hoglund. Kernel rootkits is particularly tough to observe and take away as a result of they operate at a similar security level because the software itself, and square measure therefore able to intercept or subvert the foremost sure software operations. Any package, like antivirus package, running on the compromised system is equally vulnerable. during this scenario, no a part of the system is sure.

LM hashes are split into two 16-character halves (each representing 7-character blocks). If the original password is less than 8 characters, the second half of the LM hash will always be a constant:

"AAD3B435B51404EE"

This known value is used to pad the second half of the password, and it signals that the original password was 7 characters or fewer.

In the options:

B. 44EFCE164AB921CQAAD3B435B51404EE ← ends with AAD3B435B51404EE → < 8 chars

E. B757BF5C0D87772FAAD3B435B51404EE ← also ends with AAD3B435B51404EE → < 8 chars

From CEH v13 Official Courseware:

Module 6: Malware Threats → LM Hash Weaknesses

A Ping of Death attack is a type of DoS attack that exploits a vulnerability in the IP protocol that allows packets to be fragmented and reassembled at the destination. The attacker sends a malformed packet that exceeds the maximum size of 65,535 bytes, which causes the target system to crash or become unstable when it tries to reassemble the packet. This attack can affect various operating systems and devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. A Ping of Death attack can be detected by monitoring the network traffic for unusually large packets or ICMP messages. References:

Ping of Death (PoD) Attack

Denial-of-Service Attacks: History, Techniques & Prevention

What is a denial-of-service (DoS) attack?

The SSID (service set identifier) is the name of your wireless network. SSID broadcast is how your router transmits this name to surrounding devices. Its primary function is to make your network visible and easily accessible. Most routers broadcast their SSIDs automatically. To disable or enable SSID broadcast, you need to change your router’s settings.

Disabling SSID broadcast will make your Wi-FI network name invisible to other users. However, this only hides the name, not the network itself. You cannot disguise the router's activity, so hackers can still attack it.

With your network invisible to wireless devices, connecting becomes a bit more complicated. Just giving a Wi-FI password to your guests is no longer enough. They have to configure their settings manually by including the network name, security mode, and other relevant info.

Disabling SSID might be a small step towards online security, but by no means should it be your final one. Before considering it as a security measure, consider the following aspects:

- Disabling SSID broadcast will not hide your network completely

Disabling SSID broadcast only hides the network name, not the fact that it exists. Your router constantly transmits so-called beacon frames to announce the presence of a wireless network. They contain essential information about the network and help the device connect.

- Third-party software can easily trace a hidden network

Programs such as NetStumbler or Kismet can easily locate hidden networks. You can try using them yourself to see how easy it is to find available networks – hidden or not.

- You might attract unwanted attention.

Disabling your SSID broadcast could also raise suspicion. Most of us assume that when somebody hides something, they have a reason to do so. Thus, some hackers might be attracted to your network.

The command nmap -sX initiates what is known as a Xmas Scan. This type of scan is used to analyze how a target system responds to TCP packets with unusual flag combinations, helping the attacker identify live hosts and open ports without completing a full TCP handshake.

In the Xmas scan, three specific TCP flags are set in the packet:

URG (Urgent)

PSH (Push)

FIN (Finish)

This combination makes the packet appear "lit up like a Christmas tree," hence the name Xmas scan. These packets are sent to target ports to observe the system’s behavior, especially when it does not follow standard RFC 793 behavior.

Closed ports will usually respond with a RST (reset).

Open ports may not respond at all, depending on the operating system and configuration.

This method is typically used to evade detection by firewalls and intrusion detection systems that expect normal TCP traffic patterns.

Reference – CEH v13 Official Study Guide:

Module 03: Scanning Networks, Section: “TCP Scan Types”, Subsection: “Xmas Tree Scan”, Page Reference: typically listed under TCP Flag Scanning Techniques.

CEH v13 iLabs and practical guidance in CEH Engage also cover this scan in reconnaissance simulations.

Incorrect Options Explained:

A. SYN scan (-sS) sets only the SYN flag.

C. ACK scan (-sA) sets the ACK flag.

D. SYN and ACK flags are used in TCP handshake, not in Xmas scan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metasploit_Project

The Metasploit Project is a computer security project that provides information about security vulnerabilities and aids in penetration testing and IDS signature development. It is owned by Boston, Massachusetts-based security company Rapid7.

Its best-known sub-project is the open-source Metasploit Framework, a tool for developing and executing exploit code against a remote target machine. Other important sub-projects include the Opcode Database, shellcode archive and related research.

The Metasploit Project includes anti-forensic and evasion tools, some of which are built into the Metasploit Framework. Metasploit is pre-installed in the Kali Linux operating system.

The basic steps for exploiting a system using the Framework include.

1. Optionally checking whether the intended target system is vulnerable to an exploit.

2. Choosing and configuring an exploit (code that enters a target system by taking advantage of one of its bugs; about 900 different exploits for Windows, Unix/Linux and macOS systems are included).

3. Choosing and configuring a payload (code that will be executed on the target system upon successful entry; for instance, a remote shell or a VNC server). Metasploit often recommends a payload that should work.

4. Choosing the encoding technique so that hexadecimal opcodes known as "bad characters" are removed from the payload, these characters will cause the exploit to fail.

5. Executing the exploit.

This modular approach – allowing the combination of any exploit with any payload – is the major advantage of the Framework. It facilitates the tasks of attackers, exploit writers and payload writers.

The virus described changes its own code with each execution but still performs the same actions. This is the hallmark of a Metamorphic Virus. Unlike polymorphic viruses (which use encrypted code with a changing decryptor), metamorphic viruses rewrite their own code entirely — including their decryption and execution routines — to avoid pattern detection by antivirus software.

Key characteristics of metamorphic viruses seen in the scenario:

Mutates completely on every execution.

Keeps overall functionality identical (semantics intact).

Alters its appearance and logic flow.

From CEH v13 Courseware:

Module 6: Malware Threats → Types of Viruses and Obfuscation Techniques

CEH v13 Study Guide states:

“Metamorphic viruses modify their own code structure and appearance with each iteration, without altering their underlying behavior. This makes them more difficult to detect through signature-based mechanisms.”

Incorrect Options:

A: Polymorphic viruses encrypt themselves with a changing decryptor stub but do not change their core logic.

C: “Dravidic Virus” is not a recognized term in cybersecurity.

D: Stealth viruses hide their presence (e.g., by intercepting system calls), but do not change their code structure.

PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), and IKE (Internet Key Exchange) use Public Key Cryptography for secure communication. They utilize:

Public and private key pairs

Asymmetric encryption for key exchange

Symmetric encryption for data confidentiality (after key exchange)

These protocols ensure secure data transfer over insecure networks.

Reference – CEH v13 Official Study Guide:

Module 20: Cryptography

Quote:

“Public key cryptography uses asymmetric key pairs for encryption and authentication. Protocols like PGP, SSL/TLS, and IKE rely on this to exchange keys and establish trust.”

Incorrect Options:

A & D. Digest/hash algorithms (e.g., MD5, SHA) ensure integrity, not encryption

B. Secret key refers to symmetric encryption, which is used after the public key exchange, not as the basis for these protocols

LAN Manager (LM) hashes use the DES (Data Encryption Standard) algorithm to hash passwords. Here's how LM hashing works:

The password is converted to uppercase and padded/truncated to 14 characters.

Split into two 7-character halves.

Each half is used as a DES key to encrypt a constant string ("KGS!@#$%")—resulting in a 16-byte LM hash.

From CEH v13 Courseware:

Module 6: Malware Threats

Topic: Windows Password Storage & Cracking

CEH v13 Study Guide states:

“LM hashes use the DES encryption algorithm to create password hashes. Due to this method, they are highly vulnerable to brute-force attacks, particularly because they split the password into two 7-character blocks.”

Incorrect Options:

A: MD4 is used in NTLM hashes.

C: SHA is not used in LM.

D: SSL is a transport security protocol, not a hashing algorithm.

A demilitarized zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network (usually the internet). Public-facing services like web servers, email servers, and DNS servers are typically placed in the DMZ. These nodes can be accessed from the internet, but the DMZ design ensures that unauthorized access to the internal network is blocked or highly restricted.

The purpose is to provide access to certain systems without exposing the internal network directly.

The most plausible reason for the situation is that the secure LDAP connection was not properly initialized due to a lack of ‘use_ssl = True’ in the server object creation. To use secure LDAP (LDAPS), the CEH needs to specify the use_ssl parameter as True when creating the server object with the ldap3 library in Python. This parameter tells the library to use SSL/TLS encryption for the LDAP communication. If the parameter is omitted or set to False, the library will use plain LDAP, which may not be accepted by the target system that only allows secure LDAP connections12. For example, the CEH can use the following code to create a secure LDAP server object:

from ldap3 import Server, Connection, ALL

server = Server('ldaps://', use_ssl=True, get_info=ALL)

connection = Connection(server, user='', password='')

connection.bind()

The other options are not as plausible as option B for the following reasons:

A. The Python version installed on the CEH’s machine is incompatible with the ldap3 library: This option is unlikely because the ldap3 library supports Python versions from 2.6 to 3.9, which covers most of the commonly used Python versions3. Moreover, if the Python version was incompatible, the CEH would not be able to install the library or import it in the code, and would encounter errors before establishing the connection.

C. The enumeration process was blocked by the target system’s intrusion detection system: This option is possible but not very plausible because the CEH was able to establish a connection with the target, which means the intrusion detection system did not block the initial handshake. Moreover, the enumeration process would not affect the response of the target system, but rather the visibility of the results. If the intrusion detection system detected and blocked the enumeration, the CEH would receive an error message or a blank response, not an unexpected response.

D. The system failed to establish a connection due to an incorrect port number: This option is incorrect because the CEH was able to establish a connection with the target, which means the port number was correct. If the port number was incorrect, the CEH would not be able to connect to the target system at all, and would receive a connection refused error.