The answer is mail server addresses and priority. The nslookup mx record query with the -type=MX option retrieves the Mail Exchange records for a domain, which list the hostnames of mail servers along with their priority values—lower numbers indicate higher priority for mail delivery. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this technique tests your ability to perform DNS reconnaissance, a critical phase of information gathering where attackers map an organization’s email infrastructure to identify potential entry points for phishing or spoofing attacks. A common trap is confusing MX records with A records; remember that MX records reveal server hierarchy, not IP addresses directly. To recall this, think “MX = Mail eXchange priority,” where the number tells you which server gets mail first.
CEH Footprinting and Reconnaissance Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of footprinting and reconnaissance. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
C:\>nslookup -type=MX example.com
Server: dns.example.com
Address: 192.0.2.10
example.com MX preference = 10, mail exchanger = mail1.example.com
example.com MX preference = 20, mail exchanger = mail2.example.com
Refer to the exhibit. An attacker runs the nslookup command shown. What information has been gathered?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Mail server addresses and priority
The nslookup command with the -type=MX query returns mail exchange (MX) records for the domain. The output shows mail server hostnames and their associated priority values (e.g., 10, 20), which indicate the order in which mail servers should be used. This directly reveals the mail server addresses and their priority, making option A 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.
✓
Mail server addresses and priority
Why this is correct
MX records show mail servers and their priority.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse DNS record types—specifically, they may think MX records return IP addresses or SPF data, when in fact MX only returns mail server hostnames and priorities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
MX records are defined in RFC 1035 and use a 16-bit preference value (priority) to specify the order of mail servers; lower numbers are tried first. When an attacker performs MX reconnaissance, they can identify the mail infrastructure (e.g., Exchange, Google Workspace) and potentially target mail servers for phishing or spoofing attacks. The nslookup interactive mode shown here queries the default DNS resolver, but the same data can be gathered via dig or host commands.
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 and Reconnaissance — This question tests Footprinting and Reconnaissance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Mail server addresses and priority — The nslookup command with the -type=MX query returns mail exchange (MX) records for the domain. The output shows mail server hostnames and their associated priority values (e.g., 10, 20), which indicate the order in which mail servers should be used. This directly reveals the mail server addresses and their priority, making option A 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
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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. An ethical hacker runs the command shown in the exhibit. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the output?
medium
✓ A.The domain has two mail exchange servers
B.The DNS server is configured to block zone transfers
C.Mail is automatically forwarded to a backup server
D.The domain has an SPF record configured
Why A: The output shows two MX records for the domain, each with a preference value (10 and 20). MX records specify mail exchange servers, and the presence of two distinct entries indicates the domain has two mail exchange servers. The lower preference value (10) is the primary server, and the higher value (20) is a secondary or backup server.
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Question Discussion
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