- A
Attempt to connect to the file server via RDP (port 3389) using the compromised user's credentials.
Why wrong: RDP may not be open on the file server, and you only have limited credentials.
- B
Use PsExec to execute commands remotely on the file server using the compromised user account.
Why wrong: PsExec requires administrative privileges on the target, which you likely don't have.
- C
Run a full vulnerability scan (e.g., Nessus) against the entire subnet to identify weaknesses.
Why wrong: Full scans are noisy and may trigger alerts; targeted enumeration is more appropriate.
- D
Enumerate SMB shares and session information using `net view \\fileserver` and `smbclient -L //fileserver`.
This reveals accessible shares and potential misconfigurations like null sessions.
Quick Answer
The answer is to enumerate SMB shares and session information using `net view \\fileserver` and `smbclient -L //fileserver`. This is correct because, with a non-administrative domain account and SMB port 445 open from the compromised workstation to the file server, these native commands allow you to list accessible shares and active sessions without requiring elevated privileges or additional tools, directly addressing the need for SMB enumeration from a non-admin domain account. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this tests your understanding of low-privilege reconnaissance—a common trap is assuming you need admin rights or complex exploits when simple enumeration can reveal misconfigured shares or weak permissions. Remember the memory tip: "No admin? No problem—net view and smbclient still get the job done."
CEH Scanning Networks and Enumeration Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of scanning networks and enumeration. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You are a penetration tester assessing a client's internal network. The client has provided you with a non-administrative domain user account. The target network consists of 200 Windows workstations and 5 Windows servers (one domain controller, one file server, two application servers, and one database server). All systems are fully patched and have host-based firewalls enabled. The client wants you to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited from the internal network. After initial reconnaissance, you discover that all servers have SMB (port 445) open only to the domain controller and the file server has SMB open to all workstations. You have gained a foothold on a workstation via a phishing attack. From this workstation, you can reach the file server on port 445. What is the most effective next step to enumerate potential vulnerabilities on the file server?
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
Enumerate SMB shares and session information using `net view \\fileserver` and `smbclient -L //fileserver`.
Option D is correct because the client's objective is to enumerate potential vulnerabilities on the file server from the compromised workstation. Since SMB (port 445) is open between workstations and the file server, using `net view \\fileserver` and `smbclient -L //fileserver` allows you to list SMB shares, sessions, and other information without requiring administrative privileges or additional tools. This is a standard enumeration technique that reveals accessible resources, which can then be tested for misconfigurations or weak permissions.
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.
- ✗
Attempt to connect to the file server via RDP (port 3389) using the compromised user's credentials.
Why it's wrong here
RDP may not be open on the file server, and you only have limited credentials.
- ✗
Use PsExec to execute commands remotely on the file server using the compromised user account.
Why it's wrong here
PsExec requires administrative privileges on the target, which you likely don't have.
- ✗
Run a full vulnerability scan (e.g., Nessus) against the entire subnet to identify weaknesses.
Why it's wrong here
Full scans are noisy and may trigger alerts; targeted enumeration is more appropriate.
- ✓
Enumerate SMB shares and session information using `net view \\fileserver` and `smbclient -L //fileserver`.
Why this is correct
This reveals accessible shares and potential misconfigurations like null sessions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume a full vulnerability scan (Option C) is always the best next step, but in a stealthy penetration test with limited credentials, targeted SMB enumeration (Option D) is more effective and less likely to be detected.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB enumeration using `net view` and `smbclient` leverages the Server Message Block protocol to query the target's share list and session information. Under the hood, these tools send SMB commands like SMB_COM_TREE_CONNECT or SMB_COM_TRANSACTION to the IPC$ share, which is often accessible to authenticated users. In a real-world scenario, this can reveal hidden shares (e.g., ADMIN$, C$) or exposed file shares with weak permissions, which are common entry points for lateral movement.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CEH question test?
Scanning Networks and Enumeration — This question tests Scanning Networks and Enumeration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enumerate SMB shares and session information using `net view \\fileserver` and `smbclient -L //fileserver`. — Option D is correct because the client's objective is to enumerate potential vulnerabilities on the file server from the compromised workstation. Since SMB (port 445) is open between workstations and the file server, using `net view \\fileserver` and `smbclient -L //fileserver` allows you to list SMB shares, sessions, and other information without requiring administrative privileges or additional tools. This is a standard enumeration technique that reveals accessible resources, which can then be tested for misconfigurations or weak permissions.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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