The answer is several hosts suddenly sending gateway traffic to the same unexpected MAC address, paired with repeated unsolicited ARP replies mapping the gateway IP to a different MAC address. This is correct because ARP spoofing detection indicators center on forged ARP messages that poison the local cache, redirecting traffic meant for the legitimate gateway to an attacker’s machine. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between normal ARP behavior—where replies are solicited by requests—and the unsolicited, repetitive replies that signal an active man-in-the-middle attack. A common trap is confusing a single ARP request with an attack, but the key is the pattern of unsolicited replies and the sudden shift of traffic to a single, rogue MAC. Remember the mnemonic: “Unsolicited repeats, traffic to one street” to recall that unsolicited ARP replies and a single unexpected MAC address are the twin red flags.
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 network analyst reviews packet captures from a subnet where users intermittently lose access to the gateway. Which two findings would most strongly indicate ARP spoofing? Select two.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Repeated unsolicited ARP replies map the gateway IP to a different MAC address.
ARP spoofing involves an attacker sending forged ARP replies to associate the gateway's IP address with the attacker's MAC address. Repeated unsolicited ARP replies mapping the gateway IP to a different MAC address is a classic indicator, as legitimate ARP replies are normally solicited by requests. This causes traffic intended for the gateway to be redirected to the attacker, enabling interception or disruption.
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.
✓
Repeated unsolicited ARP replies map the gateway IP to a different MAC address.
Why this is correct
Repeated unsolicited ARP replies are a classic sign of spoofing on a LAN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Several hosts suddenly send gateway traffic to the same unexpected MAC address.
Why this is correct
Multiple hosts sending gateway traffic to one unexpected MAC is suspicious behavior.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Extra DNS traffic appears during the lunch hour.
Why it's wrong here
Extra DNS traffic can indicate many different issues, not necessarily ARP abuse.
✗
A switch port negotiates a slower speed than usual.
Why it's wrong here
A slower switch port usually points to cable or interface problems instead.
✗
The wireless network name appears in a site survey.
Why it's wrong here
Seeing the wireless network name tells you nothing about gateway address mapping issues.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between ARP spoofing (unsolicited ARP replies) and ARP cache poisoning (where the attacker responds faster than the legitimate host), and candidates may confuse extra DNS traffic or physical issues with ARP-based attacks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ARP spoofing exploits the stateless nature of ARP; hosts accept unsolicited ARP replies without verification, updating their ARP cache immediately. Tools like Ettercap or arpspoof send gratuitous ARP packets to poison the target's cache. In a real-world scenario, an attacker could perform a man-in-the-middle attack, capturing or modifying traffic before forwarding it to the real gateway, causing intermittent connectivity as the ARP cache flips between legitimate and malicious entries.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Repeated unsolicited ARP replies map the gateway IP to a different MAC address. — ARP spoofing involves an attacker sending forged ARP replies to associate the gateway's IP address with the attacker's MAC address. Repeated unsolicited ARP replies mapping the gateway IP to a different MAC address is a classic indicator, as legitimate ARP replies are normally solicited by requests. This causes traffic intended for the gateway to be redirected to the attacker, enabling interception or disruption.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 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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