- A
The DNS server is using DNSSEC to secure zone transfers
Why wrong: DNSSEC does not prevent AXFR; it provides data integrity and authentication but zone transfer restrictions are separate.
- B
The DNS server is vulnerable to zone transfer attacks, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve the entire zone file
A successful AXFR to an unauthenticated client indicates a misconfiguration that exposes internal network details.
- C
The DNS server is properly configured and only allows zone transfers to authorized secondary servers
Why wrong: If only authorized, the AXFR request would have been denied.
- D
The target uses a split-DNS configuration with internal and external views
Why wrong: Split-DNS might restrict zone transfers, but a successful AXFR from an external perspective indicates a flaw.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the DNS server is vulnerable to zone transfer attacks, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve the entire zone file. This is because the `dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr` command successfully performed a full AXFR query from an unauthorized client, which should only be permitted between trusted secondary DNS servers. A misconfigured DNS server that fails to restrict zone transfers by IP address or TSIG keys exposes every hostname, IP address, and service record in the zone, giving an attacker a complete network blueprint. 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 normal DNS query, but the key indicator is the phrase “AXFR record received.” Remember the mnemonic “AXFR = All eXposed From Records” to recall that an open zone transfer leaks the entire DNS database.
CEH Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of footprinting, reconnaissance and scanning. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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, you execute the following command: dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr. The output shows 'AXFR record received' followed by a list of all DNS records. What does this indicate about the target's DNS configuration?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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 is vulnerable to zone transfer attacks, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve the entire zone file
The successful execution of `dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr` and the receipt of an AXFR (full zone transfer) response indicates that the target DNS server is misconfigured to allow zone transfers from any host. A properly secured DNS server should restrict AXFR queries to only authorized secondary (slave) servers, typically by IP address or TSIG (Transaction Signature) keys. Since the command was run from an unauthorized client, this confirms a zone transfer vulnerability, allowing an attacker to retrieve the entire DNS zone file, which reveals all hostnames, IP addresses, and service records.
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 is using DNSSEC to secure zone transfers
Why it's wrong here
DNSSEC does not prevent AXFR; it provides data integrity and authentication but zone transfer restrictions are separate.
- ✓
The DNS server is vulnerable to zone transfer attacks, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve the entire zone file
Why this is correct
A successful AXFR to an unauthenticated client indicates a misconfiguration that exposes internal network details.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The DNS server is properly configured and only allows zone transfers to authorized secondary servers
Why it's wrong here
If only authorized, the AXFR request would have been denied.
- ✗
The target uses a split-DNS configuration with internal and external views
Why it's wrong here
Split-DNS might restrict zone transfers, but a successful AXFR from an external perspective indicates a flaw.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse DNSSEC with access control mechanisms, or assume that a successful zone transfer implies proper authorization, when in fact the CEH exam emphasizes that any successful AXFR from an unauthorized client is a critical misconfiguration and vulnerability.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Zone transfers (AXFR) are defined in RFC 1034 and RFC 5936, and are intended for replicating DNS data between primary and secondary servers. A common misconfiguration is leaving the `allow-transfer` directive unset or set to `any` in BIND or equivalent settings in other DNS software (e.g., Microsoft DNS). In a real-world scenario, an attacker can use the retrieved zone file to map the entire network infrastructure, identify high-value targets, and plan further attacks like social engineering or targeted 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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CEH questions
1,010 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CEH practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CEH practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning.
Enumeration and System Hacking practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Enumeration and System Hacking.
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks.
Web Application and Injection Attacks practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Web Application and Injection Attacks.
Introduction to Ethical Hacking practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Introduction to Ethical Hacking.
Scanning Networks and Enumeration practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Scanning Networks and Enumeration.
Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking.
Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography.
Footprinting and Reconnaissance practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting and Reconnaissance.
Network and Web Application Attacks practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Network and Web Application Attacks.
Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security.
Cryptography and Malware Analysis practice questions
Practise CEH questions linked to Cryptography and Malware Analysis.
Practice this exam
Start a free CEH practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CEH question test?
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 is vulnerable to zone transfer attacks, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve the entire zone file — The successful execution of `dnsrecon -d example.com -t axfr` and the receipt of an AXFR (full zone transfer) response indicates that the target DNS server is misconfigured to allow zone transfers from any host. A properly secured DNS server should restrict AXFR queries to only authorized secondary (slave) servers, typically by IP address or TSIG (Transaction Signature) keys. Since the command was run from an unauthorized client, this confirms a zone transfer vulnerability, allowing an attacker to retrieve the entire DNS zone file, which reveals all hostnames, IP addresses, and service records.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.