Active Directory Attacks →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

CPENT Active Directory Attacks Practice Question

When executing a DCSync attack programmatically via Impacket's secretsdump.py, how does the tool interact with Active Directory to request password data without running code on the domain controller?

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

✓

It connects via RPC and invokes the DRSUAPI protocol (DsGetNCChanges) to request replication data.

secretsdump.py uses the DRSUAPI (Directory Replication Service Remote Protocol) via RPC, specifically calling methods like DsGetNCChanges, simulating a domain controller replication request.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✓
It connects via RPC and invokes the DRSUAPI protocol (DsGetNCChanges) to request replication data.
Why this is correct
DRSUAPI is the native protocol used for AD replication, which secretsdump abuses using valid admin credentials.
✗
It executes an LDAP search request asking for the plaintext password attribute.
Why it's wrong here
Active Directory never stores or transmits plaintext passwords via standard LDAP queries.
✗
It queries the Active Directory Web Services (ADWS) REST API on port 9389.
Why it's wrong here
ADWS is used by PowerShell ActiveDirectory module and ADAC, not for DCSync replication.
✗
It reads the NTDS.dit file directly over standard SMB file shares using administrator credentials.
Why it's wrong here
NTDS.dit is locked by the Active Directory service and cannot be accessed over SMB without VSS/shadow copies.

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One of 274 original CPENT practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →

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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official EC-Council exam blueprint

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