Quick Answer
The answer is Ettercap, the best tool for ARP spoofing MITM attacks on a local network. Ettercap excels because it actively poisons the ARP cache of target hosts, redirecting traffic through the attacker’s machine to enable real-time sniffing and credential capture, whereas tools like Wireshark or TCPDump only passively analyze or capture packets without manipulating network flows. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between active attack tools and passive analysis utilities—a common trap is confusing Wireshark’s visibility with Ettercap’s interception capability. Remember that Ettercap’s name itself hints at its function: “etter” sounds like “ether” (Ethernet) and “cap” stands for capture, making it the go-to for MITM on switched networks.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code analysis. 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 penetration test, a tester needs to perform a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack on a local network to capture credentials. Which tool should the tester use to ARP spoof and intercept traffic?
Wireshark
Why wrong: Wireshark is a packet analyzer, not an active MITM tool.
Nmap
Why wrong: Nmap is for scanning, not MITM.
TCPDump
Why wrong: TCPDump captures packets but does not perform spoofing.
Ettercap
Ettercap is designed for MITM attacks including ARP poisoning.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Ettercap
Ettercap is a comprehensive MITM tool that supports ARP spoofing, sniffing, and injection. Wireshark is for packet analysis, not active spoofing. TCPDump is for packet capture only. Nmap can be used for discovery but not MITM.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
Wireshark is a packet analyzer, not an active MITM tool.
Nmap
Why it's wrong here
Nmap is for scanning, not MITM.
TCPDump
Why it's wrong here
TCPDump captures packets but does not perform spoofing.
Ettercap
Why this is correct
Ettercap is designed for MITM attacks including ARP poisoning.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Ettercap — Ettercap is a comprehensive MITM tool that supports ARP spoofing, sniffing, and injection. Wireshark is for packet analysis, not active spoofing. TCPDump is for packet capture only. Nmap can be used for discovery but not MITM.
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 23, 2026
This PT0-002 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 PT0-002 exam.
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