Quick Answer
The answer is passive network sniffing to capture broadcast traffic. This approach is correct because passive host discovery via sniffing involves monitoring network traffic without transmitting any packets, allowing a tester to enumerate live hosts by analyzing broadcast frames like ARP requests or DHCP discoveries that hosts generate naturally. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your understanding of stealthy reconnaissance techniques in monitored environments, where active scans (such as ARP pings, SYN scans, or UDP probes) would trigger alerts from security tools like intrusion detection systems. A common trap is assuming any host discovery must generate traffic, but passive sniffing leverages existing chatter to avoid detection entirely. Memory tip: think “listen, don’t speak” for passive discovery—if you’re not sending packets, you’re not making noise.
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 an internal penetration test, a tester discovers that the client's network uses ARP poisoning to intercept traffic for security monitoring. The tester wants to enumerate live hosts without being detected by network monitoring tools. Which of the following is the BEST approach?
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.
Use passive network sniffing to capture broadcast traffic
Passive sniffing collects broadcast packets like ARP and DHCP without sending anything.
Perform a UDP scan
Why wrong: UDP scanning is active and can be noisy.
Perform a SYN scan with decoys
Why wrong: SYN scans are active and decoys may not fully evade monitoring.
Use ARP requests to discover hosts
Why wrong: ARP requests are active and may trigger alarms.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use passive network sniffing to capture broadcast traffic
Option D is correct because passive network sniffing captures broadcast traffic without generating any packets, avoiding detection. Option A generates ARP traffic; Option B generates SYN packets; Option C generates UDP packets.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use passive network sniffing to capture broadcast traffic
Perform a UDP scan
Why it's wrong here
UDP scanning is active and can be noisy.
Perform a SYN scan with decoys
Why it's wrong here
SYN scans are active and decoys may not fully evade monitoring.
Use ARP requests to discover hosts
Why it's wrong here
ARP requests are active and may trigger alarms.
Common exam traps
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PT0-002 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — This question tests Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
The correct answer is: Use passive network sniffing to capture broadcast traffic — Option D is correct because passive network sniffing captures broadcast traffic without generating any packets, avoiding detection. Option A generates ARP traffic; Option B generates SYN packets; Option C generates UDP packets.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PT0-002 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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.
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A penetration tester is performing internal reconnaissance from a compromised host and wants to map the local network without sending any packets. Which technique is most suitable?
mediumWhy A: Option A is correct because tcpdump can passively capture broadcast traffic (e.g., ARP, NetBIOS, mDNS) without sending any packets. This allows the tester to map active hosts and services on the local network by listening to existing network chatter, fulfilling the 'no packets sent' constraint.
Last reviewed: Jun 23, 2026
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