What follows after 'Vulnerability Scanning' in the CEH framework?

In the CEH framework, after conducting 'Vulnerability Scanning,' the next step is 'Gaining Access.' This phase involves exploiting the identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to a system. Vulnerability scanning is essential as it helps in discovering potential weaknesses, but it does not utilize them. The purpose of gaining access is to demonstrate how an attacker might exploit these vulnerabilities in a real-world scenario.

Understanding this sequence is crucial because it outlines the methodology used by ethical hackers to mimic an attacker’s process. By applying the findings of vulnerability scans, ethical hackers can demonstrate the potential impact of those vulnerabilities, which is fundamental to developing stronger security measures.

Other steps, such as 'Scanning,' do not directly follow vulnerability scanning in this context since scanning typically involves both network and vulnerability assessments earlier in the process. 'Clearing Tracks' pertains to activities typically associated with post-exploitation to cover one’s trail, and 'Maintaining Access' refers to actions taken after initial access is gained to ensure persistent entry, making these elements later stages in the hacking process.