CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
During a penetration test, the tester has obtained a foothold on an internal server. The tester wants to identify other systems on the network and find potential targets for lateral movement. Which type of reconnaissance is MOST appropriate in this scenario?
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
✓
Internal network scanning with Nmap
Active reconnaissance on internal networks (e.g., port scanning, OS fingerprinting) is appropriate after gaining a foothold, as it provides detailed information about adjacent systems. Passive reconnaissance (like sniffing) might be stealthier but active scanning is more effective for mapping.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Internal network scanning with Nmap
Why this is correct
Nmap scanning from the compromised host enumerates live neighbours, open ports and services across internal subnets, directly satisfying the requirement to find lateral-movement targets. External reconnaissance cannot reach internal-only systems, and passive sniffing reveals only traffic already traversing the segment.
- ✗
OSINT gathering via Shodan
Why it's wrong here
Shodan indexes internet-facing hosts, so it cannot enumerate internal subnets reachable only from the compromised server; the tester needs active internal discovery. It is tempting because OSINT is genuinely useful for external footprinting before an engagement, mapping an organisation's public exposure without touching its network.
- ✗
Social engineering attacks on employees
Why it's wrong here
Social engineering targets people, not internal hosts, so it cannot enumerate reachable systems or services for lateral movement. It is tempting because it gathers credentials and access, but that belongs to the initial access phase. Internal network scanning and service enumeration map live hosts and open ports.
- ✗
Passive sniffing with Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
Passive sniffing only captures traffic crossing the local segment, so it cannot enumerate hosts on other subnets or reveal targets the foothold host is not already talking to. It is tempting because sniffing is genuinely useful for capturing credentials and protocol details on a segment you already occupy.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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