The answer is the NetBIOS name table, which reveals the computer name, logged-in users, and domain or workgroup information. This is correct because the `nbtstat -A` command (with a capital A) performs NetBIOS enumeration by querying a remote system’s IP address to retrieve its entire name table, a critical step in internal reconnaissance. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this tests your ability to identify information disclosure vectors during the reconnaissance phase, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a tester maps trust relationships or user accounts. A common trap is confusing `-A` (remote IP) with `-a` (remote name), so remember: capital A for Address, lowercase a for name. For a quick memory tip, think “A for Address table” to recall that `nbtstat -A` dumps the full NetBIOS name table of a target, giving you the user, machine, and domain context needed for lateral movement planning.
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. 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 reconnaissance phase, a penetration tester is using a tool to enumerate NetBIOS names on a target internal network. The tester issues the command 'nbtstat -A 192.168.1.100' on a Windows machine. What type of information is the tester most likely trying to obtain?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The NetBIOS name table including computer name, logged-in users, and domain
The `nbtstat -A` command queries the NetBIOS name table of a remote system using its IP address. This table contains the computer name, logged-in users, and domain/workgroup information, which are critical for identifying targets and potential trust relationships during internal reconnaissance.
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.
✗
The operating system version and patch level
Why it's wrong here
Operating system details are not part of NetBIOS name table output. Tools like nmap with OS detection are used for that.
✗
A list of currently open TCP ports on the remote system
Why it's wrong here
nbtstat does not scan ports; it queries NetBIOS over TCP/IP services (port 139/445) for name information.
✗
The MAC address of the remote network interface
Why it's wrong here
While NetBIOS name table may include a MAC address in some cases, the primary goal is to obtain names, not the MAC.
✓
The NetBIOS name table including computer name, logged-in users, and domain
Why this is correct
nbtstat -A retrieves the NetBIOS name table, which contains names associated with the system, useful for identifying roles and users.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `nbtstat -A` with `nbtstat -a` (which uses a NetBIOS name instead of an IP) or assume it returns OS details, when in fact it only returns the NetBIOS name table entries.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Operating system details are not part of NetBIOS name table output. Tools like nmap with OS detection are used for that.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NetBIOS names are resolved over UDP port 137 using the NBNS (NetBIOS Name Service) protocol. The `nbtstat -A` command sends a NetBIOS status query to the target, which responds with a name table containing up to 16-character names, each with a suffix byte (e.g., 0x00 for workstation, 0x03 for messenger service, 0x20 for server service) that identifies the service type. In real-world engagements, this can reveal hidden domain controllers or user accounts even when firewalls block higher-level protocols.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — This question tests Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The NetBIOS name table including computer name, logged-in users, and domain — The `nbtstat -A` command queries the NetBIOS name table of a remote system using its IP address. This table contains the computer name, logged-in users, and domain/workgroup information, which are critical for identifying targets and potential trust relationships during internal reconnaissance.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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