The correct answer is routing table entries and running processes. This is because SNMP enumeration with a public community string grants read-only access to Management Information Base (MIB) objects, specifically the ipRouteTable (RFC 1213) which exposes routing table entries, and the hrSWRunTable from the host resources MIB (RFC 2790) which lists active running processes. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of how default SNMP configurations—often left with the 'public' string—become a critical information-gathering vector during reconnaissance. A common trap is assuming only device names or uptime are accessible, but the exam emphasizes that MIB trees like ipRouteTable and hostResources are standard read-only OIDs. For a memory tip, think "Routes and Processes" as the two pillars of SNMP public enumeration: one maps the network path, the other maps the device's active workload.
CEH Scanning Networks and Enumeration Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of scanning networks and enumeration. 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 TWO types of information can be obtained through SNMP enumeration on a target device if the community string is 'public'? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
List of running processes
SNMP enumeration with the default 'public' community string (read-only access) allows querying MIB objects that expose system information. The 'hostResources' MIB (RFC 2790) includes the 'hrSWRunTable', which lists running processes, and the 'ipRouteTable' (RFC 1213) provides routing table entries. These are standard read-only OIDs accessible without authentication.
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.
✓
List of running processes
Why this is correct
SNMP can retrieve hrSWRunTable which lists running processes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 confuse the 'public' community string with full administrative access, assuming it can modify settings or retrieve sensitive data like passwords, when in fact it only provides read-only access to non-sensitive MIB objects.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SNMP uses OIDs organized in a hierarchical MIB tree; the 'public' community string maps to SNMPv2c read-only access, allowing GET and GETNEXT requests. The 'hrSWRunTable' (OID 1.3.6.1.2.1.25.4.2.1.2) enumerates running processes, while the 'ipRouteTable' (OID 1.3.6.1.2.1.4.21) lists routing entries, including destination, next hop, and metric. In real-world scenarios, attackers use tools like snmpwalk to dump these tables for network reconnaissance.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
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: List of running processes — SNMP enumeration with the default 'public' community string (read-only access) allows querying MIB objects that expose system information. The 'hostResources' MIB (RFC 2790) includes the 'hrSWRunTable', which lists running processes, and the 'ipRouteTable' (RFC 1213) provides routing table entries. These are standard read-only OIDs accessible without authentication.
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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Question Discussion
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