Quick Answer
The answer is that this command lists available SMB shares on the remote host anonymously. The `-L` flag instructs smbclient to enumerate all shared resources on the target server, while the `-N` flag suppresses the password prompt, effectively establishing a null session—a connection with no credentials. This technique, known as null session enumeration, exploits default SMB configurations that allow unauthenticated users to query share lists, often revealing sensitive folders like C$, ADMIN$, or user data. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this command tests your understanding of reconnaissance and information gathering phases, specifically how attackers leverage SMB protocol weaknesses to map network resources without authentication. A common trap is confusing `-L` with mounting a share; remember, `-L` only lists, it does not connect. For a quick memory tip: think of `-L` as “List” and `-N` as “No password”—together they spell “L-N” for “Look, No credentials!”
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.
A security analyst runs the following command: 'smbclient -L //192.168.1.50 -N'. What is the purpose of this command?
Connect to the remote host's SMB share with a null password
Why wrong: It lists shares, not connects.
Perform a dictionary attack on SMB passwords
Why wrong: smbclient does not perform attacks.
Enumerate users via SMB
Why wrong: User enumeration requires other tools.
List available SMB shares on the remote host anonymously
-L lists shares, -N indicates anonymous access.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
List available SMB shares on the remote host anonymously
Option B is correct. smbclient -L lists shares on a remote SMB server, and -N uses a null session (no password).
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.
Connect to the remote host's SMB share with a null password
Why it's wrong here
It lists shares, not connects.
Perform a dictionary attack on SMB passwords
Why it's wrong here
smbclient does not perform attacks.
Enumerate users via SMB
Why it's wrong here
User enumeration requires other tools.
List available SMB shares on the remote host anonymously
Why this is correct
-L lists shares, -N indicates anonymous access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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: List available SMB shares on the remote host anonymously — Option B is correct. smbclient -L lists shares on a remote SMB server, and -N uses a null session (no password).
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.
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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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