Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) — Question 58

A company is using Windows Server 2003 for its Active Directory (AD). What is the most efficient way to crack the passwords for the AD users?

Answer options

• A. Perform a dictionary attack.
• B. Perform a brute force attack.
• C. Perform an attack with a rainbow table.
• D. Perform a hybrid attack.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

Using a rainbow table attack is the most efficient method because it allows for the quick retrieval of hashed passwords by precomputing them. Dictionary attacks and brute force attacks are generally slower and less efficient as they involve guessing passwords without the benefit of precomputed tables. Hybrid attacks, while potentially useful, do not specifically leverage the advantages of stored hash values like rainbow tables do.