The correct answer is that the DNS server allows zone transfers from any host, because the `dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr` command specifically requests a full zone transfer (AXFR), and receiving a complete list of DNS records confirms the target server is misconfigured to honor this request from an unauthorized source. This DNS zone transfer misconfiguration exposes the entire zone file, including internal hostnames, IP addresses, and service records, which is a critical information disclosure vulnerability that an attacker can exploit for reconnaissance. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DNS enumeration and common misconfigurations; a common trap is confusing a successful AXFR with a simple DNS query, but remember that a zone transfer returns all records at once, not just a single lookup. Memory tip: AXFR stands for “All X-zone Full Records”—if you get them all, the server is wide open.
CEH Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of footprinting, reconnaissance and scanning. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 a penetration test, a tester runs 'dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr' and receives a full list of DNS records. What does this indicate about the target's DNS configuration?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DNS server allows zone transfers from any host
The 'dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr' command performs a DNS zone transfer (AXFR) request. Receiving a full list of DNS records indicates that the target DNS server is misconfigured to allow zone transfers from any host, which exposes the entire DNS zone data (including internal hostnames and IP addresses) to unauthorized parties. This is a critical information disclosure vulnerability.
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.
✗
The DNS server has DNSSEC enabled
Why it's wrong here
DNSSEC does not prevent zone transfers; it adds signatures.
✗
The DNS server allows recursive queries
Why it's wrong here
Recursive queries are a separate concept from zone transfers.
✓
The DNS server allows zone transfers from any host
Why this is correct
A successful axfr means the server is configured to allow zone transfers to unauthorized hosts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The DNS server is authoritative for the domain
Why it's wrong here
Authoritative servers may still restrict zone transfers; success indicates a misconfiguration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'authoritative' with 'vulnerable' — being authoritative is normal, but allowing unrestricted zone transfers is the misconfiguration; EC-Council often tests this by making option D sound correct because the server is authoritative, but the real issue is the lack of access control on the AXFR query.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A zone transfer (AXFR) is a mechanism defined in RFC 1034/1035 for replicating DNS zone data between primary and secondary authoritative servers. The 'dnsrecon' tool sends an AXFR query with the opcode 0 and QTYPE 252; if the target server's 'allow-transfer' ACL is misconfigured (e.g., set to 'any' or left at default on some platforms), it will return the full zone file. In real-world engagements, this often reveals internal network topology, server names, and even service records that aid further exploitation.
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.
Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning — This question tests Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DNS server allows zone transfers from any host — The 'dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr' command performs a DNS zone transfer (AXFR) request. Receiving a full list of DNS records indicates that the target DNS server is misconfigured to allow zone transfers from any host, which exposes the entire DNS zone data (including internal hostnames and IP addresses) to unauthorized parties. This is a critical information disclosure vulnerability.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. During a reconnaissance phase, a tester uses `dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr`. What specific DNS query is being attempted?
medium
A.A subdomain brute-force
✓ B.A zone transfer request
C.A reverse DNS lookup
D.A SRV record enumeration
Why B: The `-t axfr` flag in `dnsrecon` specifies a zone transfer request (AXFR). This query attempts to retrieve the entire DNS zone file from a nameserver, which can reveal all DNS records for the domain. A successful zone transfer is a critical misconfiguration because it exposes internal network topology and hostnames.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CEH exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.