mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped

A penetration tester is performing internal reconnaissance. The tester discovers that the internal DNS server allows recursive queries from the tester's machine. Which technique can the tester use to enumerate internal hosts and network ranges?

Question 1mediummultiple choice
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A penetration tester is performing internal reconnaissance. The tester discovers that the internal DNS server allows recursive queries from the tester's machine. Which technique can the tester use to enumerate internal hosts and network ranges?

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.

A

Distractor review

Perform DNS cache snooping

Cache snooping only reveals whether a specific domain has been queried, not internal network structure.

B

Best answer

Attempt a DNS zone transfer (AXFR)

A successful zone transfer gives a complete list of all hosts and subdomains within the zone.

C

Distractor review

Query for all SRV records

SRV records provide service locations but not all hosts; they are limited.

D

Distractor review

Perform a reverse DNS sweep of the entire subnet

Reverse DNS sweeps are active and may not find all hosts; also less efficient than a zone transfer.

Common exam trap

Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses

Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
  • Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
  • Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
  • The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.

TExam Day Tips

  • Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
  • Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
  • Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.

Related practice questions

Related PT0-002 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

More questions from this exam

Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this PT0-002 question test?

CIDR notation defines the prefix length.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Attempt a DNS zone transfer (AXFR) — A DNS zone transfer (requesting a full copy of the zone) is possible if the DNS server is misconfigured to allow transfers from any host. This reveals all DNS records, including internal hostnames and IPs. Option B is correct. Option A (DNS cache snooping) determines if a host has visited a domain, not full enumeration. Option C (SRV record request) gets service records but not all hosts. Option D (reverse DNS sweep) is active and slower, and may not cover all records.

What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?

Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.

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