- A
ARP poisoning
Why wrong: ARP poisoning is a method used to redirect traffic to an attacker's machine, but it is not the attack itself. The described behavior (decrypting and re-encrypting) is MITM.
- B
SSL stripping
Why wrong: SSL stripping downgrades a secure HTTPS connection to insecure HTTP. The scenario involves decrypting and re-encrypting, not downgrading, so it is more accurately an MITM using a proxy.
- C
Man-in-the-middle
An MITM attack intercepts traffic between two endpoints, often using a proxy to decrypt and re-encrypt, allowing the attacker to read or modify the data without the parties realizing.
- D
Rogue DHCP
Why wrong: A rogue DHCP server assigns incorrect IP configurations, potentially redirecting traffic, but it does not involve decrypting and re-encrypting TLS traffic directly.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is a man-in-the-middle attack. This scenario describes an active MITM proxy that intercepts the TLS handshake, presenting its own certificate to the client while establishing a separate encrypted session with the server, allowing it to decrypt and re-encrypt all traffic in transit. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between passive eavesdropping and active interception—a common trap is confusing this with a replay attack, but the key differentiator here is the real-time decryption and re-encryption step. For man-in-the-middle attack identification, remember that any time an intermediate device breaks and rebuilds encryption, you are seeing an active MITM, not just a packet capture. A useful memory tip: “Decrypt and re-encrypt? That’s a MITM intercept.”
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
During a security audit, a consultant discovers that encrypted traffic between a client and a web server is being decrypted and re-encrypted by an intermediate device on the network path. Which type of attack best describes this scenario?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Man-in-the-middle
Option C is correct because the scenario describes a classic man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack where an intermediary intercepts, decrypts, and re-encrypts traffic between the client and server. This allows the attacker to read or modify the data while both endpoints believe they have a secure TLS session. The key indicator is the decryption and re-encryption step, which is the hallmark of an active MITM proxy.
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.
- ✗
ARP poisoning
Why it's wrong here
ARP poisoning is a method used to redirect traffic to an attacker's machine, but it is not the attack itself. The described behavior (decrypting and re-encrypting) is MITM.
- ✗
SSL stripping
- ✓
Man-in-the-middle
Why this is correct
An MITM attack intercepts traffic between two endpoints, often using a proxy to decrypt and re-encrypt, allowing the attacker to read or modify the data without the parties realizing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Rogue DHCP
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the method (e.g., ARP poisoning) with the attack type (MITM), or they mistake SSL stripping for any interception of encrypted traffic, not realizing that SSL stripping removes encryption entirely rather than re-encrypting it.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
SSL stripping downgrades a secure HTTPS connection to insecure HTTP. The scenario involves decrypting and re-encrypting, not downgrading, so it is more accurately an MITM using a proxy.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a MITM attack against TLS, the attacker typically presents a self-signed or forged certificate to the client, while establishing a separate TLS session with the server. This requires the client to trust the attacker's certificate, often achieved via a compromised CA or local trust store. In real-world scenarios, such as corporate SSL inspection, this same decryption/re-encryption process is used legitimately, but without authorization it constitutes an attack.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
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: Man-in-the-middle — Option C is correct because the scenario describes a classic man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack where an intermediary intercepts, decrypts, and re-encrypts traffic between the client and server. This allows the attacker to read or modify the data while both endpoints believe they have a secure TLS session. The key indicator is the decryption and re-encryption step, which is the hallmark of an active MITM proxy.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This N10-009 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the N10-009 exam.
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