The correct choice is the smb-vuln-ms17-010.nse script. This Nmap NSE script is specifically designed to detect the EternalBlue vulnerability by sending crafted SMB transactions that trigger a known response pattern from the target, without actually exploiting the flaw. Because it avoids executing the exploit code that could crash the system or set off intrusion detection alerts, it is the ideal tool for stealthy reconnaissance on an open port 445/TCP. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to select the appropriate NSE script for vulnerability scanning without causing disruption—a key distinction from exploitation scripts. A common trap is confusing this script with smb-check-vulns or exploit modules like Metasploit’s eternalblue, but remember: the “vuln” category scripts are read-only checks. Memory tip: “MS17-010” is the patch number, and the script name mirrors it exactly—if you see “vuln” in the name, it’s for detection, not destruction.
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
A penetration tester receives an Nmap scan report showing that port 445/TCP is open on a target Windows host. The tester wants to determine if the host is vulnerable to EternalBlue (MS17-010) without triggering an alert. Which Nmap NSE script is most appropriate to use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
smb-vuln-ms17-010.nse
The smb-vuln-ms17-010.nse script is specifically designed to check for the EternalBlue vulnerability (MS17-010) by sending crafted SMB transactions to trigger a known response pattern, without exploiting the vulnerability itself. This makes it ideal for stealthy detection because it does not execute the actual exploit code that would cause a crash or generate an alert in a properly monitored environment.
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.
✓
smb-vuln-ms17-010.nse
Why this is correct
This script sends probes to test for the MS17-010 vulnerability; it is the direct tool for identifying EternalBlue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
smb-enum-shares.nse
Why it's wrong here
This enumerates SMB shares, not vulnerabilities. It may still generate traffic but does not check for EternalBlue.
✗
smb-os-discovery.nse
Why it's wrong here
This attempts to determine the operating system version via SMB, not to check for specific vulnerabilities.
✗
smb-enum-users.nse
Why it's wrong here
This enumerates user accounts via SMB; it does not test for EternalBlue.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse general SMB enumeration scripts (like smb-enum-shares or smb-os-discovery) with vulnerability-specific scripts, assuming any SMB script can detect EternalBlue, when only the dedicated ms17-010 script performs the necessary non-exploitative probe.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The EternalBlue vulnerability resides in the SMBv1 server's handling of specially crafted packets, specifically in the `SrvOs2FeaToNt` function. The NSE script works by sending a TRANS2 SESSION_SETUP request with a malformed `SMB_FEA` list; if the target is unpatched, it responds with a STATUS_INSUFFICIENT_RESOURCES error, while patched systems return STATUS_SUCCESS or a different error, allowing non-intrusive detection.
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: smb-vuln-ms17-010.nse — The smb-vuln-ms17-010.nse script is specifically designed to check for the EternalBlue vulnerability (MS17-010) by sending crafted SMB transactions to trigger a known response pattern, without exploiting the vulnerability itself. This makes it ideal for stealthy detection because it does not execute the actual exploit code that would cause a crash or generate an alert in a properly monitored environment.
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.
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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