[2023] Top 50 CEH v12 Practical ( Certified Ethical Hacking) Interview Questions and Answers

Here's a list of 50 CEH v12 Practical interview questions along with their answers to help you prepare for your CEH v12 Practical exam or job interview. Keep in mind that these answers are meant to be a guide and may need to be adapted based on your experience and the specific tasks you'll encounter.

1. Perform Network Scanning:

Question: Use Nmap to perform a network scan on a target subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) and identify active hosts and open ports.

Answer: nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

2. Conduct Web Application Penetration Testing:

Question: Identify vulnerabilities in a web application using tools like Burp Suite or OWASP Zap and suggest remediation measures.

Answer: Use the chosen tool to identify vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and insecure configuration. Provide recommendations to fix these issues.

3. Exploit SQL Injection Vulnerability:

Question: Exploit an SQL injection vulnerability in a web application's login form to retrieve user credentials from the database.

Answer: Craft a malicious SQL query that exploits the vulnerability and retrieves user credentials. For example: ' OR '1'='1.

4. Perform Wireless Network Cracking:

Question: Crack the WPA2 password of a wireless network using tools like Aircrack-ng or Hashcat.

Answer: Capture a handshake using tools like Airodump-ng, and then use Aircrack-ng or Hashcat to crack the password using a dictionary or brute force attack.

5. Conduct Social Engineering Attack:

Question: Perform a phishing attack to trick users into revealing their credentials by creating a convincing phishing email.

Answer: Craft a phishing email that mimics a legitimate message, create a phishing website, and send the email to the target users.

6. Exploit Metasploit Framework:

Question: Exploit a remote Windows system using the Metasploit Framework, gain a meterpreter session, and extract sensitive data.

Answer: Use Metasploit to search for vulnerabilities, select an appropriate exploit, set payload to reverse meterpreter, and execute the attack.

7. Secure Web Servers:

Question: Harden an Apache web server by configuring security headers, enabling HTTPS with a valid certificate, and disabling unnecessary services.

Answer: Configure the httpd.conf file to include security headers, install and configure a valid SSL certificate, and disable unused modules.

8. Secure Database Servers:

Question: Secure a MySQL database server by changing default credentials, implementing strong password policies, and enabling encryption.

Answer: Change the root password, create separate user accounts, enforce password policies, and enable SSL/TLS for encrypted connections.

9. Configure Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems:

Question: Set up a firewall to allow only necessary traffic and configure an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to monitor network activities.

Answer: Use iptables (Linux) or Windows Firewall to allow required ports and protocols. Configure Snort or Suricata as an IDS to monitor traffic.

10. Perform Incident Response:

Question: Respond to a simulated security breach by identifying the attack vector, isolating affected systems, and conducting forensic analysis.

Answer: Identify the compromised system, disconnect it from the network, collect evidence, and analyze logs to understand the attack.

11. Perform Password Cracking:

Question: Crack hashed passwords from a provided password dump using tools like John the Ripper or Hashcat.

Answer: Use John the Ripper or Hashcat with a dictionary or brute force attack to crack the hashed passwords in the password dump.

12. Analyze Malware Samples:

Question: Analyze a given malware sample to determine its behavior, purpose, and potential impact on systems.

Answer: Use tools like IDA Pro or Ghidra to reverse-engineer the malware, identify its functionality, and analyze its code and behavior.

13. Conduct Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attack:

Question: Exploit a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in a web application to execute a malicious script in a user's browser.

Answer: Craft a script that triggers an alert in the victim's browser when injected into a vulnerable input field.

14. Perform Privilege Escalation:

Question: Exploit a privilege escalation vulnerability on a Linux system to gain root access.

Answer: Identify a vulnerable process, execute commands to escalate privileges, and gain root access.

15. Configure Network Intrusion Detection:

Question: Set up and configure Snort to detect and alert on suspicious network traffic, such as port scans or suspicious patterns.

Answer: Install Snort, configure rules to detect specific traffic patterns, and monitor alerts generated by Snort.

16. Investigate Data Breach:

Question: Investigate a data breach by analyzing logs, identifying the entry point, tracing attacker movement, and recommending mitigation steps.

Answer: Examine logs, identify the point of entry, analyze lateral movement, and recommend measures to prevent future breaches.

17. Secure Web Applications:

Question: Secure a web application by implementing input validation, output encoding, and applying security patches.

Answer: Validate user input, encode output to prevent XSS, and regularly update the application with security patches.

18. Mitigate Denial of Service (DoS) Attack:

Question: Configure network devices to mitigate a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack by applying traffic filtering.

Answer: Use tools like iptables to set up rules that block traffic from suspicious sources during a DDoS attack.

19. Perform Forensic Analysis:

Question: Conduct forensic analysis on a compromised system to identify malicious files, evidence of attacker presence, and data exfiltration.

Answer: Image the system, analyze file system artifacts, memory dumps, and network traffic logs to reconstruct the attack.

20. Secure Cloud Infrastructure:

Question: Harden an Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment by configuring security groups, implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and enabling logging.

Answer: Configure security groups to allow only necessary traffic, enable MFA for AWS accounts, and enable CloudTrail logging.

21. Conduct Web Application Vulnerability Assessment:

Question: Perform a thorough vulnerability assessment on a web application using automated tools and manual testing techniques.

Answer: Use tools like Nikto, OWASP Zap, and manual testing to identify vulnerabilities such as exposed directories, outdated software, and weak configurations.

22. Exploit Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Vulnerability:

Question: Exploit a CSRF vulnerability in a web application to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of a user.

Answer: Craft a malicious HTML page that forces a victim to unknowingly perform actions like changing their password without their consent.

23. Harden Windows Server:

Question: Secure a Windows Server by disabling unnecessary services, applying security patches, and configuring Windows Firewall.

Answer: Disable unused services, regularly update the server with security patches, and configure Windows Firewall rules.

24. Perform Bluetooth Hacking:

Question: Exploit vulnerabilities in Bluetooth devices to gain unauthorized access or perform a Blueborne attack.

Answer: Identify vulnerable Bluetooth devices, exploit security weaknesses, and demonstrate unauthorized access.

25. Secure Mobile Devices:

Question: Configure security settings on a mobile device to prevent unauthorized access, such as enabling biometric authentication and remote wipe.

Answer: Enable biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or face recognition), set up a secure lock screen, and configure remote wipe.

26. Analyze Network Traffic with Wireshark:

Question: Analyze network traffic captured with Wireshark to identify suspicious patterns, possible attacks, and potential data leaks.

Answer: Use Wireshark to examine packet captures, identify abnormal traffic, and determine if there are indications of malicious activity.

27. Exploit Vulnerable IoT Device:

Question: Exploit a vulnerable Internet of Things (IoT) device to gain unauthorized access or demonstrate a potential attack vector.

Answer: Identify a vulnerable IoT device, analyze its security weaknesses, and demonstrate a successful exploitation.

28. Implement File System Permissions:

Question: Configure file system permissions on a Linux system to ensure data privacy and prevent unauthorized access.

Answer: Set appropriate ownership and permissions for files and directories to restrict access based on user roles.

29. Conduct Wireless Sniffing:

Question: Capture and analyze wireless network traffic using tools like Wireshark to identify potential security vulnerabilities and data leaks.

Answer: Use Wireshark to capture and analyze packets in a wireless network, focusing on identifying sensitive information transmitted in plain text.

30. Secure DNS Infrastructure:

Question: Harden Domain Name System (DNS) servers by implementing DNSSEC, applying access controls, and monitoring for DNS-related attacks.

Answer: Configure DNSSEC to prevent DNS spoofing, apply access controls to restrict zone transfers, and monitor for DNS amplification attacks.

31. Secure Cloud Storage:

Question: Secure cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive by enabling two-factor authentication, encrypting data at rest, and setting proper access controls.

Answer: Enable two-factor authentication, ensure data encryption options are enabled, and configure access controls to limit who can access stored data.

32. Perform Social Engineering Assessment:

Question: Conduct a social engineering assessment by attempting to manipulate employees into disclosing sensitive information or taking unauthorized actions.

Answer: Use techniques like pretexting, baiting, or tailgating to gather information or gain access to restricted areas.

33. Exploit Vulnerable FTP Server:

Question: Exploit vulnerabilities in an FTP server to gain unauthorized access and demonstrate the potential risks associated with unsecured file transfers.

Answer: Identify security weaknesses in the FTP server, such as weak credentials or anonymous access, and gain unauthorized access.

34. Secure Web Server Log Files:

Question: Secure web server log files by configuring proper log rotation, ensuring log file permissions are restricted, and implementing log monitoring.

Answer: Configure log rotation to prevent log files from consuming too much disk space, set permissions to limit access to log files, and implement log monitoring to detect suspicious activities.

35. Perform Passwordless Attack:

Question: Exploit passwordless authentication methods in a system or application to demonstrate unauthorized access.

Answer: Identify systems using passwordless authentication methods and demonstrate how they can be exploited to gain unauthorized access.

36. Secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP):

Question: Secure the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) by using strong passwords, enabling Network Level Authentication (NLA), and configuring RDP access controls.

Answer: Set strong passwords for RDP accounts, enable NLA to require user authentication before connecting, and restrict RDP access to authorized users.

37. Analyze Email Headers for Phishing:

Question: Analyze email headers to identify indicators of phishing attempts and verify the authenticity of email sources.

Answer: Examine email headers for inconsistencies or signs of spoofing, validate email source addresses, and cross-reference with known phishing sources.

38. Secure Docker Containers:

Question: Secure Docker containers by implementing container isolation, setting resource limits, and ensuring images are from trusted sources.

Answer: Use Docker's built-in features for isolation, apply resource limits to prevent container abuse, and only use images from verified repositories.

39. Conduct USB Drop Attack:

Question: Simulate a USB drop attack by placing infected USB devices in a target organization to exploit curiosity and gather information.

Answer: Create infected USB devices that, when inserted, execute malicious code or collect sensitive information.

40. Secure Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM):

Question: Secure cloud IAM settings by configuring strong authentication methods, assigning least privilege access, and regularly reviewing permissions.

Answer: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), limit permissions to the minimum necessary, and regularly audit and adjust access permissions.

41. Exploit Vulnerable Network Services:

Question: Exploit vulnerabilities in common network services (e.g., SMB, FTP) to gain unauthorized access or demonstrate potential risks.

Answer: Identify vulnerable services, leverage known exploits or misconfigurations, and gain unauthorized access to the target system.

42. Secure Email Communication:

Question: Configure secure email communication by implementing Transport Layer Security (TLS), enabling email encryption, and setting up DMARC policies.

Answer: Set up TLS to encrypt email transmission, enable end-to-end email encryption when possible, and implement DMARC to prevent email spoofing.

43. Perform Network Sniffing:

Question: Capture and analyze network traffic using tools like Wireshark to identify sensitive data exposure or potential security breaches.

Answer: Use Wireshark to capture packets and identify patterns indicating data leaks, unauthorized access, or malicious activities.

44. Exploit Windows Privilege Escalation:

Question: Exploit privilege escalation vulnerabilities on a Windows system to gain administrator-level access.

Answer: Identify weak configurations or vulnerabilities that allow for privilege escalation, execute appropriate exploits, and gain elevated access.

45. Secure Cloud Containers:

Question: Secure containers within cloud environments by implementing container security tools, configuring network policies, and patching vulnerabilities.

Answer: Utilize container security solutions, implement network policies to isolate containers, and regularly update containers to address vulnerabilities.

46. Conduct Physical Security Assessment:

Question: Perform a physical security assessment of a facility by identifying access control weaknesses, unauthorized entry points, and potential breaches.

Answer: Identify security vulnerabilities such as unlocked doors, unmonitored entrances, and gaps in access control measures.

47. Secure Remote Access:

Question: Secure remote access to a corporate network by implementing a Virtual Private Network (VPN), using secure protocols, and enforcing strong authentication.

Answer: Set up a VPN with proper encryption, enforce strong authentication methods, and restrict access to authorized users.

48. Analyze Malicious PowerShell Script:

Question: Analyze a suspicious PowerShell script to determine its intent, identify potential threats, and propose countermeasures.

Answer: Examine the script's content, understand its functions and commands, and recommend steps to prevent its execution.

49. Perform Malware Analysis:

Question: Analyze a malware sample to understand its behavior, propagation methods, and potential impact on systems.

Answer: Execute the malware in a controlled environment, monitor its activities, and document its behavior and communication.

50. Secure IoT Network:

Question: Secure an Internet of Things (IoT) network by segmenting devices, using strong encryption, and regularly updating firmware.

Answer: Segment IoT devices from critical systems, enable encryption for device communication, and apply regular firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities.

These CEH v12 Practical questions and answers continue to cover various aspects of hands-on ethical hacking tasks and scenarios. Remember to practice these tasks in a controlled environment and ensure you have a solid grasp of the tools and techniques involved.