Quick Answer
The answer is an ARP spoofing attack. This is correct because the `arp -a` output reveals the same MAC address mapped to two different IP addresses, which is a classic sign of ARP cache poisoning, while the `ping` commands confirm both IPs are live and reachable. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret command-line output for network-based attacks; a common trap is mistaking duplicate MACs for a switch loop or misconfiguration. When using `arp spoofing detection ping arp commands`, always check for a single MAC tied to multiple IPs—that’s the smoking gun. Memory tip: “One MAC, many IPs? That’s a spoofing trip.”
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of social engineering and physical security. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst runs ping and arp commands. What is the most likely attack occurring?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack
Why wrong: No indication of multiple sources or high traffic.
MAC flooding attack
Why wrong: MAC flooding fills switch CAM table, not ARP table.
ARP spoofing attack
Duplicate MAC addresses for different IPs indicate ARP spoofing.
Ping flood attack
Why wrong: Ping flood is a DoS attack, not indicated by ARP anomalies.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ARP spoofing attack
The correct answer is C because the combination of `ping` and `arp` commands reveals an ARP spoofing attack. The `arp -a` output shows the same MAC address (00-11-22-33-44-55) mapped to multiple IP addresses (192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2), which is a classic indicator of ARP cache poisoning. The `ping` commands confirm that both IPs are reachable, but the duplicate MAC entry proves an attacker is intercepting traffic by associating their MAC with multiple IPs.
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.
Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack
Why it's wrong here
No indication of multiple sources or high traffic.
MAC flooding attack
Why it's wrong here
MAC flooding fills switch CAM table, not ARP table.
ARP spoofing attack
Ping flood attack
Why it's wrong here
Ping flood is a DoS attack, not indicated by ARP anomalies.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse MAC flooding (which targets switch CAM tables) with ARP spoofing (which targets host ARP caches), but the exhibit's `arp -a` output showing multiple IPs for one MAC is the definitive sign of ARP cache poisoning, not a switch-level attack.
Detailed technical explanation
ARP spoofing exploits the stateless nature of ARP (RFC 826), where hosts accept unsolicited ARP replies without authentication. An attacker sends forged ARP packets to associate their MAC address with the default gateway's IP, causing all victim traffic to be forwarded through the attacker's machine for man-in-the-middle interception. Tools like Ettercap or Cain & Abel automate this, and detection requires static ARP entries or dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) on managed switches.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Social Engineering and Physical Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Social Engineering and Physical Security — This question tests Social Engineering and Physical Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: ARP spoofing attack — The correct answer is C because the combination of `ping` and `arp` commands reveals an ARP spoofing attack. The `arp -a` output shows the same MAC address (00-11-22-33-44-55) mapped to multiple IP addresses (192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2), which is a classic indicator of ARP cache poisoning. The `ping` commands confirm that both IPs are reachable, but the duplicate MAC entry proves an attacker is intercepting traffic by associating their MAC with multiple IPs.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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