- A
Requesting a DNS zone transfer to obtain a list of user account names from the SRV records.
Why wrong: DNS zone transfers provide hostnames and IPs, not user account names.
- B
Performing an SMB null session and querying the SAM database.
SMB null sessions are a known method for enumerating users on older Windows systems.
- C
Using RID cycling to enumerate users by brute-forcing relative identifiers.
RID cycling allows enumeration of user accounts by iterating through RIDs.
- D
Performing an anonymous LDAP query to the domain controller for objectClass=user.
LDAP anonymous queries can enumerate user objects if the DC does not restrict them.
- E
Sending Kerberos AS-REQ packets and analyzing the error codes (e.g., KDC_ERR_PREAUTH_REQUIRED vs KDC_ERR_C_PRINCIPAL_UNKNOWN).
Why wrong: This technique requires knowing a valid username to get a different error; it cannot enumerate unknown users.
Quick Answer
The answer is performing an anonymous LDAP query to the domain controller for objectClass=user, along with using an SMB null session to IPC$ and querying the SAM database via the SAMR protocol. These methods work because Windows domains, by default, allow unauthenticated users to bind to LDAP on port 389 and read directory attributes like user names, while SMB null sessions exploit legacy IPC$ shares to enumerate local accounts through the SAMR interface without any credentials. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this tests your understanding of reconnaissance techniques that bypass authentication, often appearing in questions about footprinting and scanning phases. A common trap is assuming all enumeration requires valid logins, but the exam expects you to recognize that anonymous LDAP queries and null sessions are legacy but still functional vectors on misconfigured domains. Memory tip: think “LDAP lookups and null sessions—no password, no problem.”
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.
Which THREE of the following are valid methods for enumerating users on a Windows domain without prior credentials? (Select exactly 3.)
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
Performing an SMB null session and querying the SAM database.
Option B is correct because an SMB null session (connecting to IPC$ without credentials) can be used to query the SAM database via the SAMR protocol, allowing an attacker to enumerate local user accounts and groups on a Windows system. This technique exploits the default configuration of older Windows versions or improperly secured systems where the null session is not restricted.
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.
- ✗
Requesting a DNS zone transfer to obtain a list of user account names from the SRV records.
- ✓
Performing an SMB null session and querying the SAM database.
Why this is correct
SMB null sessions are a known method for enumerating users on older Windows systems.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Using RID cycling to enumerate users by brute-forcing relative identifiers.
Why this is correct
RID cycling allows enumeration of user accounts by iterating through RIDs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Performing an anonymous LDAP query to the domain controller for objectClass=user.
Why this is correct
LDAP anonymous queries can enumerate user objects if the DC does not restrict them.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Sending Kerberos AS-REQ packets and analyzing the error codes (e.g., KDC_ERR_PREAUTH_REQUIRED vs KDC_ERR_C_PRINCIPAL_UNKNOWN).
Why it's wrong here
This technique requires knowing a valid username to get a different error; it cannot enumerate unknown users.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the distinction between enumeration techniques that require no prior credentials versus those that need a starting list of usernames, causing candidates to mistakenly select Kerberos-based enumeration (Option E) as a credential-less method when it actually requires a candidate username to test.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RID cycling (Option C) works by connecting to the SAMR interface via SMB and brute-forcing relative identifiers (RIDs) starting from 500 (Administrator) to enumerate user accounts, as each user has a unique RID appended to the domain SID. Anonymous LDAP queries (Option D) are possible when the domain controller permits unauthenticated binds, allowing retrieval of user objects via filters like (objectClass=user), but this is often disabled in modern Active Directory environments by default.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: Performing an SMB null session and querying the SAM database. — Option B is correct because an SMB null session (connecting to IPC$ without credentials) can be used to query the SAM database via the SAMR protocol, allowing an attacker to enumerate local user accounts and groups on a Windows system. This technique exploits the default configuration of older Windows versions or improperly secured systems where the null session is not restricted.
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 30, 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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