Quick Answer
The answer is to obtain the WPS PIN and subsequently the WPA2 PSK. Reaver is a tool designed specifically for a WPS PIN brute force attack, targeting the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) feature that many access points enable by default. By sending thousands of PIN guesses to the AP’s registrar, Reaver exploits a design flaw in WPS that separates the PIN into two halves, making it possible to recover the full eight-digit PIN in a matter of hours. Once the PIN is cracked, the attacker can extract the WPA2 pre-shared key (PSK) from the router, granting full network access. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless attack vectors and the critical difference between cracking WPA2 via a four-way handshake versus exploiting WPS weaknesses. A common trap is confusing Reaver with aircrack-ng—remember that Reaver targets the PIN, not the handshake. Memory tip: “Reaver recovers the registrar’s PIN, then the PSK follows.”
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of advanced topics: wireless, cloud, iot, cryptography. 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.
A penetration tester uses the following command to attack a WPS-enabled AP: 'reaver -i mon0 -b 00:11:22:33:44:55 -vv'. What is the primary goal of this attack?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Perform a de-authentication attack on all clients
Why wrong: De-authentication is done with aireplay-ng, not reaver.
Capture a WPA2 4-way handshake for offline cracking
Why wrong: Reaver does not capture handshakes; it attacks WPS.
Scan for hidden SSIDs in the area
Why wrong: Reaver does not scan for hidden SSIDs; airodump-ng does.
Obtain the WPS PIN and subsequently the WPA2 PSK
Reaver brute-forces the WPS PIN to recover the PSK.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Obtain the WPS PIN and subsequently the WPA2 PSK
Reaver is used to brute force the WPS PIN, recovering the PIN and ultimately the WPA2 PSK.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Perform a de-authentication attack on all clients
Why it's wrong here
De-authentication is done with aireplay-ng, not reaver.
Capture a WPA2 4-way handshake for offline cracking
Why it's wrong here
Reaver does not capture handshakes; it attacks WPS.
Scan for hidden SSIDs in the area
Why it's wrong here
Reaver does not scan for hidden SSIDs; airodump-ng does.
Obtain the WPS PIN and subsequently the WPA2 PSK
Why this is correct
Reaver brute-forces the WPS PIN to recover the PSK.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CEH OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — This question tests Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: Obtain the WPS PIN and subsequently the WPA2 PSK — Reaver is used to brute force the WPS PIN, recovering the PIN and ultimately the WPA2 PSK.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CEH OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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