ECCouncil 312-50v12 Practice Test - Questions Answers, Page 54

The attack scenario is best described as Instant Messenger Applications, and the measure that could have prevented it is verifying the sender's identity before opening any files. Instant Messenger Applications are communication tools that allow users to exchange text, voice, video, and file messages in real time. However, they can also be used as attack vectors for spreading malware, such as viruses, worms, or Trojans, by exploiting the trust and familiarity between the users. In this scenario, the attacker compromised one of the team member's messenger account and used it to send malicious files to the other team members, who may have opened them without suspicion, thus infecting their systems.This type of attack is also known as an instant messaging worm12.

To prevent this type of attack, the users should verify the sender's identity before opening any files sent through instant messenger applications. This can be done by checking the sender's profile, asking for confirmation, or using a secure channel.Additionally, the users should also follow other security tips, such as using strong passwords, updating the application software, scanning the files with antivirus software, and reporting any suspicious activity34.

1: Instant Messaging Worm - Techopedia

2: Cybersecurity's Silent Foe: A Comprehensive Guide to Computer Worms | Silent Quadrant

3: Instant Messenger Hacks: 10 Security Tips to Protect Yourself - MUO

4: Increased phishing attacks on instant messaging platforms: how to prevent them | Think Digital Partners

The payload that would have the most significant impact in the case of a successful SQL injection attack is OR 'a'='a; DROP TABLE members; --. This payload combines the manipulation of the WHERE clause with a destructive action, causing data loss. This payload works as follows:

The OR 'a'='a part of the payload is a logical expression that is always true, regardless of the input or the condition of the SQL statement. This part of the payload allows the attacker to bypass any authentication or authorization checks that may be implemented in the SQL statement, such as a login form or a search query.

The ; part of the payload is a statement terminator that marks the end of the current SQL statement and allows the attacker to inject another SQL statement after it. This part of the payload enables the attacker to execute multiple SQL statements in a single query, which is also known as stacked queries or batched queries.

The DROP TABLE members part of the payload is a destructive SQL statement that deletes the entire table named members from the database. This part of the payload causes data loss and may compromise the functionality and integrity of the application that relies on the table. The table name may vary depending on the target database, but the attacker can use other techniques, such as error-based or union-based SQL injection, to discover the table names before executing the drop statement.

The -- part of the payload is a comment symbol that tells the SQL engine to ignore the rest of the query. This part of the payload helps the attacker to avoid any syntax errors or unwanted results that may arise from the original query.

The other options are not as impactful as option C for the following reasons:

A) 'OR 'T='1: This payload manipulates the WHERE clause of an SQL statement, allowing the attacker to view unauthorized data. This payload is a common and basic SQL injection technique that injects a logical expression that is always true, such as 'OR 'T='1 or 'OR 1=1, to bypass the authentication or authorization checks of the SQL statement. This payload can allow the attacker to view data that they are not supposed to, such as user credentials, personal information, or financial records. However, this payload does not cause any data loss or modification, and it does not affect the functionality or integrity of the application.

B) 'OR username LIKE '%: This payload uses the LIKE operator to search for a specific pattern in a column. This payload is a variation of the previous payload that injects a logical expression that is always true, such as 'OR username LIKE '% or 'OR 1 LIKE '%, to bypass the authentication or authorization checks of the SQL statement. The LIKE operator is used to compare a value with a pattern that may contain wildcard characters, such as % or _, which match any string or character. This payload can allow the attacker to view data that matches the pattern, such as usernames that start with a certain letter or contain a certain substring. However, this payload does not cause any data loss or modification, and it does not affect the functionality or integrity of the application.

D) UNION SELECT NULL, NULL, NULL -- : This payload manipulates the UNION SQL operator, enabling the attacker to retrieve data from different database tables. This payload is an advanced SQL injection technique that injects the UNION SQL operator to combine the results of two or more SELECT statements into a single result set, which is then returned as part of the HTTP response. The UNION operator can be used to join the results from different tables that have the same number and type of columns. The NULL values are used to match the column types and avoid any errors. This payload can allow the attacker to retrieve data from tables that are not intended to be accessed by the application, such as system tables, configuration tables, or backup tables. However, this payload does not cause any data loss or modification, and it does not affect the functionality or integrity of the application.

1: SQL Injection - OWASP Foundation

2: SQL Injection Payloads: How SQLi exploits work - Bright Security

3: SQL Injection - HackTricks

The protocol that you would recommend to the team to achieve the secure exchange of the symmetric key is the Diffie-Hellman protocol. The Diffie-Hellman protocol is a key agreement protocol that allows two or more parties to establish a shared secret key over an unsecured communication channel, without having to exchange the key itself.The Diffie-Hellman protocol works as follows12:

The parties agree on a large prime number p and a generator g, which are public parameters that can be known by anyone.

Each party chooses a random private number a or b, which are kept secret from anyone else.

Each party computes a public value A or B, by raising g to the power of a or b modulo p, i.e., A = g^a mod p and B = g^b mod p.

Each party sends their public value A or B to the other party over the unsecured channel.

Each party computes the shared secret key K, by raising the received public value to the power of their own private number modulo p, i.e., K = A^b mod p = B^a mod p.

The parties can now use the shared secret key K to encrypt and decrypt the data using a symmetric key encryption algorithm, such as AES or 3DES.

The Diffie-Hellman protocol can ensure the secure exchange of the symmetric key because it relies on the mathematical difficulty of computing discrete logarithms, which means that it is hard to find the private numbers a or b given the public values A or B, g, and p.Therefore, an attacker who intercepts the public values A or B cannot easily compute the shared secret key K, and thus cannot decrypt the data encrypted with K12.

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

A) Implementing SSL certificates on your company's web servers: This option is not relevant because SSL certificates are not used to exchange symmetric keys, but to authenticate the identity of the web servers and to establish a secure connection using public key encryption. SSL certificates are digital certificates that contain the public key and the identity information of the web server, and are issued and signed by a trusted certificate authority (CA). When a client connects to a web server, the web server sends its SSL certificate to the client, who verifies it with the CA. If the verification is successful, the client and the web server use the public key in the certificate to exchange a symmetric key, which is then used to encrypt and decrypt the data.However, this option does not address the scenario of transmitting data over an unsecured communication channel, which may not involve web servers or SSL certificates34.

C) Switching all data transmission to the HTTPS protocol: This option is not sufficient because HTTPS protocol is not a protocol for exchanging symmetric keys, but a protocol for securing web traffic using SSL or TLS encryption. HTTPS protocol is a combination of HTTP protocol and SSL or TLS protocol, which means that it uses HTTP for the application layer communication and SSL or TLS for the transport layer encryption. When a client requests a web page from a web server using HTTPS protocol, the client and the web server establish a secure connection using SSL or TLS protocol, which involves the exchange of SSL certificates and a symmetric key, as explained in option A. Then, the client and the web server use the symmetric key to encrypt and decrypt the HTTP data.However, this option does not address the scenario of transmitting data over an unsecured communication channel, which may not involve web servers or HTTPS protocol5.

D) Utilizing SSH for secure remote logins to the servers: This option is not applicable because SSH is not a protocol for exchanging symmetric keys, but a protocol for securing remote access to servers using public key authentication and encryption. SSH is a protocol that allows a client to securely connect to a server and execute commands or transfer files over an encrypted channel. SSH uses public key cryptography to authenticate the identity of the server and the client, and to exchange a symmetric key, which is then used to encrypt and decrypt the data. However, this option does not address the scenario of transmitting data over an unsecured communication channel, which may not involve remote logins or SSH protocol .

1: Diffie--Hellman key exchange - Wikipedia

2: Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

3: SSL Certificate - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

4: What is an SSL Certificate? | DigiCert.com

5: HTTPS - Wikipedia

: What is HTTPS? | Cloudflare

: SSH (Secure Shell) - Wikipedia

: What is SSH? | SSH.COM

The technique that the hacker would consider next to obtain useful information about the underlying database is to utilize a blind injection technique that uses time delays or error signatures to extract information. A blind injection technique is a type of SQL injection technique that is used when the web application does not return any detailed error messages or data from the database, but only indicates whether the query was executed successfully or not. A blind injection technique relies on sending specially crafted SQL queries that cause a noticeable change in the behavior or response of the web application, such as a time delay or an error signature, which can then be used to infer information about the database.For example, the hacker could use the following methods12:

Time-based blind injection: This method involves injecting a SQL query that contains a time delay function, such as SLEEP() or WAITFOR DELAY, which pauses the execution of the query for a specified amount of time. The hacker can then measure the time difference between the normal and the delayed responses, and use it to determine whether the injected query was true or false. By using this method, the hacker can perform a binary search to guess the values of the data in the database, one bit at a time.

Error-based blind injection: This method involves injecting a SQL query that contains a deliberate error, such as a division by zero, a type mismatch, or an invalid conversion, which causes the database to generate an error message. The hacker can then analyze the error message, which may contain useful information about the database, such as the version, the name, the structure, or the data. By using this method, the hacker can exploit the error handling mechanism of the database to extract information.

The other options are not as suitable as option D for the following reasons:

A) Use the UNION operator to combine the result sets of two or more SELECT statements: This option is not feasible because it requires the web application to return data from the database, which is not the case in this scenario. The UNION operator is a SQL operator that allows the hacker to append the results of another SELECT statement to the original query, and display them as part of the web page. This way, the hacker can retrieve data from other tables or columns that are not intended to be shown by the web application.However, this option does not work when the web application does not return any data or error messages from the database, as in this scenario3.

B) Attempt to compromise the system through OS-level command shell execution: This option is not relevant because it is not a SQL injection technique, but a post-exploitation technique. OS-level command shell execution is a method of gaining access to the underlying operating system of the web server, by injecting a SQL query that contains a system command, such as xp_cmdshell, exec, or shell_exec, which executes the command on the server. This way, the hacker can perform various actions on the server, such as uploading files, downloading files, or running programs.However, this option does not help to obtain information about the database, which is the goal of this scenario4.

C) Try to insert a string value where a number is expected in the input field: This option is not effective because it is a basic SQL injection technique that is used to detect SQL injection vulnerabilities, not to exploit them. Inserting a string value where a number is expected in the input field is a method of triggering a syntax error in the SQL query, which may reveal the structure or the content of the query in the error message. This way, the hacker can identify the vulnerable parameters and the type of the database.However, this option does not work when the web application does not return any detailed error messages from the database, as in this scenario5.

1: Blind SQL Injection - OWASP Foundation

2: Blind SQL Injection - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

3: SQL Injection Union Attacks - OWASP Foundation

4: OS Command Injection - OWASP Foundation

5: SQL Injection - OWASP Foundation

A Kerberoasting attack is a technique that exploits the Kerberos authentication protocol to obtain the password hash of a service account that has a Service Principal Name (SPN). An attacker can request a service ticket (TGS) for the SPN using a valid user's ticket (TGT) and then attempt to crack the password hash offline. To prevent the attacker from using the TGS to access the service, the system administrator should invalidate the TGS as soon as possible. This can be done by changing the password of the service account, which will generate a new password hash and render the old TGS useless. Alternatively, the system administrator can use tools like Mimikatz to purge the TGS from the memory of the domain controller or the client system. Performing a system reboot, deleting the compromised user's account, or changing the NTLM password hash used to encrypt the ST are not effective ways to invalidate the TGS, as they do not affect the encryption of the TGS or the validity of the TGT.Reference:

EC-Council CEHv12 Courseware Module 11: Hacking Webservers, page 11-24

What is a Kerberoasting Attack? -- CrowdStrike

How to Perform Kerberoasting Attacks: The Ultimate Guide - StationX

The sequence of actions that would provide the most comprehensive information about the network's status is to use Hping3 for an ICMP ping scan on the entire subnet, then use Nmap for a SYN scan on identified active hosts, and finally use Metasploit to exploit identified vulnerabilities. This sequence of actions works as follows:

Use Hping3 for an ICMP ping scan on the entire subnet: This action is used to discover the active hosts on the network by sending ICMP echo request packets to each possible IP address on the subnet and waiting for ICMP echo reply packets from the hosts. Hping3 is a command-line tool that can craft and send custom packets, such as TCP, UDP, or ICMP, and analyze the responses.By using Hping3 for an ICMP ping scan, the hacker can quickly and efficiently identify the live hosts on the network, as well as their response times and packet loss rates12.

Use Nmap for a SYN scan on identified active hosts: This action is used to scan the open ports and services on the active hosts by sending TCP SYN packets to a range of ports and analyzing the TCP responses. Nmap is a popular and powerful tool that can perform various types of network scans, such as port scanning, service detection, OS detection, and vulnerability scanning. By using Nmap for a SYN scan, the hacker can determine the state of the ports on the active hosts, such as open, closed, filtered, or unfiltered, as well as the services and protocols running on them.A SYN scan is also known as a stealth scan, as it does not complete the TCP three-way handshake and thus avoids logging on the target system34.

Use Metasploit to exploit identified vulnerabilities: This action is used to exploit the vulnerabilities on the active hosts by using pre-built or custom modules that leverage the open ports and services. Metasploit is a framework that contains a collection of tools and modules for penetration testing and exploitation. By using Metasploit, the hacker can launch various attacks on the active hosts, such as remote code execution, privilege escalation, or backdoor installation, and gain access to the target system or data. Metasploit can also be used to perform post-exploitation tasks, such as gathering information, maintaining persistence, or pivoting to other systems .

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

A) Initiate with Nmap for a ping sweep, then use Metasploit to scan for open ports and services, and finally use Hping3 to perform remote OS fingerprinting: This option is not optimal because it does not use the tools in the most efficient and effective way. Nmap can perform a ping sweep, but it is slower and less flexible than Hping3, which can craft and send custom packets. Metasploit can scan for open ports and services, but it is more suitable for exploitation than scanning, and it relies on Nmap for port scanning anyway.Hping3 can perform remote OS fingerprinting, but it is less accurate and reliable than Nmap, which can use various techniques and probes to determine the OS type and version13.

C) Start with Hping3 for a UDP scan on random ports, then use Nmap for a version detection scan, and finally use Metasploit to exploit detected vulnerabilities: This option is not effective because it does not use the best scanning methods and techniques. Hping3 can perform a UDP scan, but it is slower and less reliable than a TCP scan, as UDP is a connectionless protocol that does not always generate responses. Scanning random ports is also inefficient and incomplete, as it may miss important ports or services. Nmap can perform a version detection scan, but it is more useful to perform a port scan first, as it can narrow down the scope and speed up the scan.Metasploit can exploit detected vulnerabilities, but it is not clear how the hacker can identify the vulnerabilities without performing a vulnerability scan first13.

D) Begin with NetScanTools Pro for a general network scan, then use Nmap for OS detection and version detection, and finally perform an SYN flooding with Hping3: This option is not comprehensive because it does not cover all the aspects and objectives of a network scan. NetScanTools Pro is a graphical tool that can perform various network tasks, such as ping, traceroute, DNS lookup, or port scan, but it is less powerful and versatile than Nmap or Hping3, which can perform more advanced and customized scans. Nmap can perform OS detection and version detection, but it is more useful to perform a port scan first, as it can provide more information and insights into the target system.Performing an SYN flooding with Hping3 is not a network scan, but a denial-of-service attack, which can disrupt the network and alert the target system, and it is not an ethical or legal action for a hired hacker13.

1: Hping - Wikipedia

2: Hping3 Examples - NetworkProGuide

3: Nmap - Wikipedia

4: Nmap Tutorial: From Discovery to Exploits -- Part 1: Introduction to Nmap | HackerTarget.com

: Metasploit Project - Wikipedia

: Metasploit Unleashed - Offensive Security

: NetScanTools Pro - Northwest Performance Software, Inc.

SSL/TLS is a protocol that provides encryption and authentication for data in transit between a client and a server. However, SSL/TLS does not provide any protection against data tampering, which is the alteration, deletion, or insertion of data without authorization or proper validation. Data tampering can compromise the integrity and accuracy of the data, and potentially lead to breaches or fraud. To detect and prevent data tampering, you should implement IPsec in addition to SSL/TLS. IPsec is a protocol that provides encryption, authentication, and integrity for data in transit at the network layer. IPsec uses cryptographic mechanisms, such as digital signatures and hash-based message authentication codes (HMACs), to verify the identity of the sender and the receiver, and to ensure that the data has not been modified during transmission. IPsec can also provide replay protection, which prevents an attacker from retransmitting old or duplicate packets. By combining SSL/TLS and IPsec, you can achieve a higher level of security and reliability for your cloud-based application.Reference:

EC-Council CEHv12 Courseware Module 18: Cryptography, page 18-20

EC-Council CEHv12 Courseware Module 19: Cloud Computing, page 19-29

A comprehensive guide to data tampering

Tamper Detection

The action that would best protect your web server from potential misconfiguration-based attacks is performing regular server configuration audits. A server configuration audit is a process of reviewing and verifying the security settings and parameters of the server, such as user accounts, permissions, services, ports, protocols, files, directories, logs, and patches. A server configuration audit can help you to identify and fix any security misconfigurations that may expose your server to attacks, such as using default credentials, enabling unnecessary services, leaving open ports, or missing security updates.A server configuration audit can also help you to comply with the security standards and best practices for your server, such as the CIS Benchmarks or the OWASP Secure Configuration Guide12.

The other options are not as effective as option A for the following reasons:

B) Enabling multi-factor authentication for users: This option is not relevant because it does not address the server misconfiguration issue, but the user authentication issue. Multi-factor authentication is a method of verifying the identity of the users by requiring them to provide two or more pieces of evidence, such as a password, a code, or a biometric factor.Multi-factor authentication can enhance the security of the user accounts and prevent unauthorized access, but it does not prevent the server from being attacked due to misconfigured settings or parameters3.

C) Implementing a firewall to filter traffic: This option is not sufficient because it does not prevent the server from being misconfigured, but only limits the exposure of the server to the network. A firewall is a device or software that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. A firewall can protect the server from external attacks by blocking or allowing certain ports, protocols, or IP addresses. However, a firewall cannot protect the server from internal attacks or from attacks that exploit the allowed traffic.Moreover, a firewall itself can be misconfigured and cause security issues4.

D) Regularly backing up server data: This option is not preventive but reactive, as it does not protect the server from being attacked, but only helps to recover the data in case of an attack. Backing up server data is a process of creating and storing copies of the data on the server, such as files, databases, or configurations. Backing up server data can help you to restore the data in case of data loss, corruption, or deletion due to an attack.However, backing up server data does not prevent the server from being attacked in the first place, and it does not fix the security misconfigurations that may have caused the attack5.

1: Server Configuration Audit - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

2: Secure Configuration Guide - OWASP Foundation

3: Multi-factor authentication - Wikipedia

4: Firewall (computing) - Wikipedia

5: Backup - Wikipedia

The nbtstat command is a Windows utility that displays NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) protocol statistics, NetBIOS name tables, and the NetBIOS name cache. However, the nbtstat command does not support IPv6 addresses, which are the standard format for the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). Therefore, using the nbtstat command with IPv6 addresses will result in an error message or no output. To enumerate NetBIOS names on a network that uses IPv6, you should switch to an enumeration tool that supports IPv6, such as Nmap, which is a network scanning and security auditing tool. Nmap has a scripting engine (NSE) that allows users to write and execute scripts for various network tasks, including NetBIOS enumeration. Nmap can also detect the operating system, services, and vulnerabilities of the target machines, regardless of the IP version they use.Reference:

Nbtstat Command - Computer Hope

Nbtstat CMD: Windows Network Command Line Prompt

[Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE) Documentation]