Quick Answer
The correct answer is showmount and nmap, as both tools are specifically designed for enumerating NFS exports on a target system. showmount directly queries the mount daemon on the NFS server (typically port 2049) to list all exported file systems and their access permissions, while nmap’s nfs-ls script sends MOUNT protocol requests to achieve the same goal, revealing available shares and their restrictions. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of service-specific enumeration techniques, often appearing in the scanning and enumeration domain where you must distinguish between general port scanners and protocol-aware tools. A common trap is selecting generic tools like netcat or telnet, which lack the NFS-specific logic to parse mount information. For a quick memory tip, remember that both tools start with the letter “s” and “n” — “showmount shows shares, nmap nfs-ls lists them” — and that neither requires authentication, making them ideal for initial reconnaissance.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 tools are commonly used for enumerating NFS exports on a target system? (Select 2 correct answers)
enum4linux
Why wrong: enum4linux is for SMB enumeration.
nmap (with script nfs-ls)
nmap's nfs-ls script can list NFS exports.
smbclient
Why wrong: smbclient is for SMB shares, not NFS.
showmount
showmount -e <target> displays NFS exports.
ldapsearch
Why wrong: ldapsearch is for LDAP directories.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
nmap (with script nfs-ls)
B is correct because nmap's nfs-ls script is specifically designed to enumerate NFS exports by querying the NFS service (port 2049) and listing the available shares. It works by sending MOUNT protocol requests to the target, which reveals the exported file systems and their access permissions, making it a standard tool for NFS enumeration in penetration testing.
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.
enum4linux
Why it's wrong here
enum4linux is for SMB enumeration.
nmap (with script nfs-ls)
Why this is correct
nmap's nfs-ls script can list NFS exports.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
smbclient
Why it's wrong here
smbclient is for SMB shares, not NFS.
showmount
Why this is correct
showmount -e <target> displays NFS exports.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ldapsearch
Why it's wrong here
ldapsearch is for LDAP directories.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse SMB enumeration tools (like enum4linux or smbclient) with NFS enumeration tools, because both involve file sharing, but they operate on entirely different protocols (SMB vs. NFS/RPC) and require distinct command sets.
Detailed technical explanation
NFS enumeration typically leverages the MOUNT protocol (RPC program 100005) to query the list of exports, which showmount does by default using the 'showmount -e' command against the target's portmapper (RPCbind on port 111). The nmap nfs-ls script performs a similar function by first querying the portmapper to find the NFS and MOUNT service ports, then sending MOUNT requests to list exports, and it can also attempt to mount and list directory contents if permissions allow. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured NFS exports that allow world-readable access are a common entry point for attackers to steal sensitive data or escalate privileges.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Enumeration and System Hacking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Enumeration and System Hacking practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CEH questions
1,010 questions across all exam domains
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CEH practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning.
Practise CEH questions linked to Enumeration and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Web Application and Injection Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Introduction to Ethical Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Scanning Networks and Enumeration.
Practise CEH questions linked to Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting and Reconnaissance.
Practise CEH questions linked to Network and Web Application Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security.
Practise CEH questions linked to Cryptography and Malware Analysis.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: nmap (with script nfs-ls) — B is correct because nmap's nfs-ls script is specifically designed to enumerate NFS exports by querying the NFS service (port 2049) and listing the available shares. It works by sending MOUNT protocol requests to the target, which reveals the exported file systems and their access permissions, making it a standard tool for NFS enumeration in penetration testing.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.