Quick Answer
The answer is nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10. This command is correct because the capital -A switch performs a NetBIOS name table lookup against a remote IP address, querying the target’s NetBIOS name service on UDP port 137 to enumerate all registered names and their associated IP addresses on the local subnet. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of NetBIOS enumeration as a reconnaissance technique for identifying hosts and services in a Windows environment. A common trap is confusing the lowercase -a switch, which resolves a NetBIOS name to an IP address, with the capital -A switch, which targets a specific IP address directly. Remember the memory tip: capital A stands for “Address” — you give it an IP address to get the names back.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which of the following commands would a tester use to enumerate NetBIOS names and their associated IP addresses on a local subnet?
nbtstat -n
Why wrong: -n shows local NetBIOS names, not remote enumeration.
nbtstat -c
Why wrong: -c shows the local NetBIOS name cache, not enumeration.
nbtstat -a 192.168.1.10
Why wrong: -a expects a hostname, not IP; -A is for IP.
nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10
Correct. nbtstat -A <IP> displays the NetBIOS name table for that IP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10
Option D is correct because the `nbtstat -A` command (with a capital 'A') performs a NetBIOS name table lookup against a remote IP address, listing the NetBIOS names registered by that host along with their associated IP addresses. This is the standard method for enumerating NetBIOS names on a specific target within a local subnet, as it queries the NetBIOS name service (UDP port 137) directly.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
nbtstat -n
Why it's wrong here
-n shows local NetBIOS names, not remote enumeration.
nbtstat -c
Why it's wrong here
-c shows the local NetBIOS name cache, not enumeration.
nbtstat -a 192.168.1.10
Why it's wrong here
-a expects a hostname, not IP; -A is for IP.
nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10
Why this is correct
Correct. nbtstat -A <IP> displays the NetBIOS name table for that IP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the lowercase `-a` (which expects a hostname) with the uppercase `-A` (which expects an IP address), leading them to incorrectly select option C when the question specifies an IP address.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
-n shows local NetBIOS names, not remote enumeration.
Detailed technical explanation
NetBIOS name resolution operates over UDP port 137 using the NetBIOS Name Service (NBNS), which is part of the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) protocol suite. The `nbtstat -A` command sends a NetBIOS name query to the target IP, and the response includes the remote machine's NetBIOS name table, which lists all registered names (e.g., workstation, server, domain) and their types (e.g., 00h, 20h). In a real-world penetration test, this enumeration can reveal host roles, logged-in users, and domain membership, aiding in lateral movement.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Enumeration and System Hacking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Enumeration and System Hacking 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
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning.
Practise CEH questions linked to Enumeration and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Web Application and Injection Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Introduction to Ethical Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Scanning Networks and Enumeration.
Practise CEH questions linked to Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting and Reconnaissance.
Practise CEH questions linked to Network and Web Application Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security.
Practise CEH questions linked to Cryptography and Malware Analysis.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10 — Option D is correct because the `nbtstat -A` command (with a capital 'A') performs a NetBIOS name table lookup against a remote IP address, listing the NetBIOS names registered by that host along with their associated IP addresses. This is the standard method for enumerating NetBIOS names on a specific target within a local subnet, as it queries the NetBIOS name service (UDP port 137) directly.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.