The correct answer is the NetBIOS name table of the remote machine, because the nbtstat -a command specifically queries a target IP address to retrieve the remote host’s NetBIOS name table, which lists all registered NetBIOS names including the computer name, workgroup or domain, and active services like file sharing. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this tests your understanding of NetBIOS enumeration as a reconnaissance technique—a common trap is confusing nbtstat -a (remote query by IP) with nbtstat -n (local names) or nbtstat -c (local cache). The exam often presents this in a scenario where an analyst is mapping network resources or identifying potential SMB targets. Remember the mnemonic: “-a for Address” to recall that you supply an IP address to pull the remote name table.
CEH Enumeration and System Hacking Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. 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 uses the nbtstat -a command against a target IP address. What information is the analyst MOST likely attempting to retrieve?
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
✓
NetBIOS name table of the remote machine
The nbtstat -a command is used to query the NetBIOS name table of a remote machine by its IP address. This table contains the NetBIOS names registered by the remote host, such as the computer name, workgroup/domain, and any services running over NetBIOS (e.g., file sharing). The analyst is most likely attempting to enumerate these names for reconnaissance or to identify potential targets for further exploitation.
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.
✗
Active directory domain controllers
Why it's wrong here
nbtstat -a does not directly enumerate domain controllers; that would require other tools like nslookup or ldap queries.
✗
List of all open TCP ports
Why it's wrong here
nbtstat does not show open ports; that is the function of port scanners like Nmap.
✓
NetBIOS name table of the remote machine
Why this is correct
The -a flag lists the remote machine's NetBIOS name table.
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.
✗
The MAC address of the target
Why it's wrong here
nbtstat -a does not show MAC addresses; it shows NetBIOS names.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse nbtstat -a with retrieving only the MAC address, because the output does display a MAC address line, but the command's primary function is to enumerate the NetBIOS name table.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
nbtstat does not show open ports; that is the function of port scanners like Nmap.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NetBIOS operates over TCP/IP (NBT) on ports 137 (name service), 138 (datagram service), and 139 (session service). The nbtstat -a command sends a NetBIOS Name Service (NBNS) query to the target's UDP port 137, requesting the remote name table. In a real-world scenario, an attacker might use this to discover the target's hostname, logged-in user, or domain membership, which can then be used in pass-the-hash or SMB relay attacks.
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 practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NetBIOS name table of the remote machine — The nbtstat -a command is used to query the NetBIOS name table of a remote machine by its IP address. This table contains the NetBIOS names registered by the remote host, such as the computer name, workgroup/domain, and any services running over NetBIOS (e.g., file sharing). The analyst is most likely attempting to enumerate these names for reconnaissance or to identify potential targets for further exploitation.
What should I do if I get this CEH 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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