The answer is a DNS amplification attack, which is the correct choice because the scenario describes a reflection-based DDoS technique where a small query triggers a disproportionately large response. In this attack, the attacker sends a short DNS request—often for an ANY record or a DNSSEC-signed record—with a spoofed source IP set to the victim’s address, and an open DNS resolver replies with a payload that can be 50 to 100 times larger, flooding the target network. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish DNS amplification from other DDoS types like SYN floods or ping floods; a common trap is confusing it with a simple DNS cache poisoning attack, but the key clue is the massive response size relative to the query. For a memory tip, think “small query, big reply” to remember that amplification is all about the size ratio, and associate the term “reflection” with the spoofed source IP bouncing off the resolver.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security analyst detects a large number of DNS queries for the same domain from multiple internal hosts. The responses contain large payloads. Which type of attack is likely occurring?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DNS amplification
DNS amplification is a type of reflection-based DDoS attack where an attacker sends a small query (e.g., ANY or DNSSEC-signed record request) with a spoofed source IP (the victim's address) to an open DNS resolver. The resolver responds with a large payload (often 50–100x larger than the query), flooding the victim's network. The scenario describes many internal hosts making queries to the same domain and receiving large responses, which matches the amplification effect from a compromised or misconfigured internal resolver.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
DNS cache poisoning
Why it's wrong here
Cache poisoning injects false records to redirect traffic, not to amplify traffic volume.
✓
DNS amplification
Why this is correct
DNS amplification uses small queries to trigger large responses, overwhelming the target with traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DNS tunneling
Why it's wrong here
Tunneling uses DNS to carry other protocols; it does not aim to generate large response volumes.
✗
DNS zone transfer
Why it's wrong here
Zone transfer is a legitimate replication mechanism, not an attack.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between DNS amplification and DNS cache poisoning by describing 'large payloads' and 'many hosts' — the trap is that candidates confuse the reflection/amplification mechanism with the cache corruption of poisoning, but amplification focuses on traffic volume, not record integrity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a DNS amplification attack, the attacker typically uses a query type like ANY (RFC 8482 deprecates ANY, but many resolvers still respond) or DNSSEC-signed records (e.g., RRSIG, NSEC3) to maximize the response size. The amplification factor can exceed 50:1, and the attacker often leverages open resolvers on the internet; however, in this internal scenario, a compromised internal DNS server or a misconfigured forwarder could be used to amplify traffic toward internal hosts. Real-world examples include the 2016 Dyn DDoS attack, which used DNS amplification via the Mirai botnet.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the N10-009 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DNS amplification — DNS amplification is a type of reflection-based DDoS attack where an attacker sends a small query (e.g., ANY or DNSSEC-signed record request) with a spoofed source IP (the victim's address) to an open DNS resolver. The resolver responds with a large payload (often 50–100x larger than the query), flooding the victim's network. The scenario describes many internal hosts making queries to the same domain and receiving large responses, which matches the amplification effect from a compromised or misconfigured internal resolver.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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