The answer is a Smurf attack. This is correct because a Smurf attack specifically relies on sending a high volume of ICMP echo requests with a spoofed source IP address, causing all hosts on a network to reply to the victim and overwhelm it with traffic. In the scenario described, the use of spoofed ICMP echo requests to multiple external IPs aligns with the core mechanism of a Smurf attack, even though a classic Smurf targets a broadcast address; the key exam concept is that the attacker spoofs the victim’s IP as the source to amplify replies. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish ICMP-based attacks from others like a Ping flood (which lacks spoofing) or Fraggle (which uses UDP). A common trap is confusing Smurf with a simple ICMP flood, but remember: Smurf always involves spoofing and amplification. Memory tip: “Smurf spoofs the source to summon a swarm.”
CEH Practice Question: Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of malware, social engineering and network attacks. 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.
A security analyst receives an alert indicating that a host on the internal network is sending a high volume of ICMP echo requests to multiple external IP addresses. The analyst notices that the source IP address is spoofed. Which type of attack is MOST likely occurring?
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
✓
Smurf attack
A Smurf attack uses spoofed ICMP echo requests sent to a broadcast address, causing all hosts on the network to reply to the victim. However, the scenario describes sending to multiple external IPs, which is more characteristic of a DDoS amplification attack using ICMP. But given the options, Smurf is the closest match because it involves ICMP and spoofed source. Ping flood is a simpler flood without spoofing necessarily, and Fraggle uses UDP. Therefore, Smurf is correct.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
A ping flood typically does not involve spoofing and is directed at a single target.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
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
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CEH subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — This question tests Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Smurf attack — A Smurf attack uses spoofed ICMP echo requests sent to a broadcast address, causing all hosts on the network to reply to the victim. However, the scenario describes sending to multiple external IPs, which is more characteristic of a DDoS amplification attack using ICMP. But given the options, Smurf is the closest match because it involves ICMP and spoofed source. Ping flood is a simpler flood without spoofing necessarily, and Fraggle uses UDP. Therefore, Smurf is correct.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CEH subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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