Quick Answer
The correct command is smbclient -L //<IP> -N, which a penetration tester uses to enumerate SMB shares on a target Windows machine from a Linux system. This works because the -L flag instructs smbclient to list all available SMB shares on the remote server, while -N suppresses the password prompt for a null session, allowing anonymous access to gather share names, including hidden administrative shares like ADMIN$ or IPC$. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of SMB enumeration as a critical reconnaissance phase; a common trap is confusing smbclient -L with smbclient //<IP>/share, which connects to a specific share rather than listing them. Remember the memory tip: “List with L, connect with nothing” — the -L flag is your go-to for enumeration, not connection.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. 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.
Which of the following commands would a penetration tester use to enumerate SMB shares on a target Windows machine from a Linux system?
ldapsearch -x -h <IP>
Why wrong: ldapsearch is for LDAP.
smbclient -L //<IP> -N
-L lists shares, -N uses null session.
snmpwalk -v2c -c public <IP>
Why wrong: snmpwalk is for SNMP.
nbtstat -A <IP>
Why wrong: nbtstat is for NetBIOS, not SMB shares.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
smbclient -L //<IP> -N
smbclient -L lists SMB shares on a remote server. It is a standard SMB enumeration tool.
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.
ldapsearch -x -h <IP>
Why it's wrong here
ldapsearch is for LDAP.
smbclient -L //<IP> -N
Why this is correct
-L lists shares, -N uses null session.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
snmpwalk -v2c -c public <IP>
Why it's wrong here
snmpwalk is for SNMP.
nbtstat -A <IP>
Why it's wrong here
nbtstat is for NetBIOS, not SMB shares.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. 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.
What to study next
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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: smbclient -L //<IP> -N — smbclient -L lists SMB shares on a remote server. It is a standard SMB enumeration tool.
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are common tools used for SMB enumeration? (Select 2)
easyWhy C: enum4linux is a wrapper tool that leverages SMB/CIFS operations (via smbclient, rpcclient, and net) to enumerate user lists, share listings, OS information, and password policies from Windows and Samba targets. It directly queries the SMB protocol (port 445/139) and is a standard tool for SMB enumeration in penetration testing.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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.
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