The answer is SNMPv2c with the community string public. This is correct because the command `snmpwalk -v2c -c public 192.168.1.10` explicitly uses the `-v2c` flag to specify SNMP version 2c and the `-c` flag to set the community string to `public`, which is the default read-only community string. The large output confirms successful enumeration of the MIB tree, indicating the community string was accepted. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this tests your ability to identify protocol and authentication details from command syntax, often appearing in questions about network reconnaissance and SNMP enumeration. A common trap is confusing the `-v2c` flag with SNMPv3 or misreading `-c` as a credential for a different protocol. Remember the memory tip: “v2c for version, c for community”—the flags directly mirror their purpose, so `-v2c` always pairs with SNMPv2c and `-c` always precedes the community string.
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.
During a penetration test, an analyst runs the command 'snmpwalk -v2c -c public 192.168.1.10' and receives a large amount of output. Which protocol and community string are being used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SNMPv2c with community string public
The command 'snmpwalk -v2c -c public 192.168.1.10' explicitly specifies SNMP version 2c with the '-v2c' flag and the community string 'public' with the '-c' flag. SNMPv2c is the most common version for read-only queries, and 'public' is the default read-only community string. The large output indicates successful enumeration of the MIB tree, confirming the community string is correct.
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.
✗
SNMPv1 with community string public
Why it's wrong here
-v2c indicates version 2c, not v1.
✗
SNMPv1 with community string private
Why it's wrong here
-v2c indicates version 2c, not v1. -c public sets community string to 'public', not private.
✓
SNMPv2c with community string public
Why this is correct
The flags -v2c and -c public correctly identify SNMP version 2c and community string public.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SNMPv3 with user public
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv3 uses users and authentication, not community strings. -v2c is not v3.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the '-v2c' flag with SNMPv1 or assume 'public' is always read-only, but the question tests the direct mapping of command-line arguments to protocol version and community string.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SNMPv2c uses community strings as a simple form of authentication, transmitted in cleartext, making it vulnerable to sniffing. The 'snmpwalk' command leverages the SNMP GETNEXT request to traverse the MIB tree, and a successful response reveals system information such as running processes, network interfaces, and user accounts. In real-world pentests, discovering a device with the default 'public' community string is a common misconfiguration that can lead to full system enumeration.
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: SNMPv2c with community string public — The command 'snmpwalk -v2c -c public 192.168.1.10' explicitly specifies SNMP version 2c with the '-v2c' flag and the community string 'public' with the '-c' flag. SNMPv2c is the most common version for read-only queries, and 'public' is the default read-only community string. The large output indicates successful enumeration of the MIB tree, confirming the community string is correct.
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 →
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.