200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
An analyst examines PCAP and sees multiple SMB sessions from internal host 10.1.1.10 to 10.1.1.20, 10.1.1.30, and 10.1.1.40 within seconds. The NTLM authentication contains a hash parameter that is identical across sessions. Which lateral movement technique is most likely being used?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Pass-the-hash
Pass-the-hash uses the same NTLM hash to authenticate to multiple hosts without knowing the plaintext password.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Golden ticket
Why it's wrong here
A golden ticket forges a Kerberos TGT using the KRBTGT hash, producing Kerberos AS-REQ and TGS-REQ traffic, not NTLM authentication with a repeated hash. It is tempting as a persistence and lateral movement technique, and would fit if the PCAP showed anomalous Kerberos tickets with forged fields.
- ✓
Pass-the-hash
Why this is correct
Pass-the-hash reuses a captured NTLM hash to authenticate without cracking the plaintext password, so the identical hash parameter across all three SMB sessions matches the stem's constraint exactly. The single internal source host fanning out to multiple targets within seconds is characteristic of automated lateral movement using stolen credentials.
- ✗
Kerberoasting
Why it's wrong here
Kerberoasting requests Kerberos service tickets for offline cracking of service account passwords; it does not authenticate to SMB shares using NTLM. It is tempting because it also targets credential material, and would be correct if the PCAP showed TGS-REQ for SPNs followed by no successful logon.
- ✗
Pass-the-ticket
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-ticket replays a Kerberos ticket-granting ticket or service ticket, so the captured traffic would show Kerberos TGS or AP exchanges, not NTLM. It is tempting because it also enables lateral movement without plaintext credentials, and would be correct if the PCAP showed identical Kerberos tickets reused across hosts.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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