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ISC2 CC Practice Question: A security auditor discovers that during a VLAN…

A security auditor discovers that during a VLAN hopping attack, a threat actor was able to send frames from a workstation on VLAN 10 to a target on VLAN 20. Which configuration flaw is most likely responsible?

⚠ Common exam trap

ISC2 often tests the distinction between VLAN hopping via DTP (trunk negotiation) and double-tagging attacks (native VLAN manipulation), so candidates may confuse the two and incorrectly choose the native VLAN option.

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

Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) is enabled on access ports

A VLAN hopping attack exploits the Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) to negotiate a trunk link between the attacker's workstation and the switch. If DTP is enabled on an access port, the attacker can send DTP frames to form a trunk, allowing frames from VLAN 10 to be tagged and forwarded to VLAN 20. Disabling DTP on all access ports with the 'switchport nonegotiate' command prevents this attack.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

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

  • Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) is enabled on access ports

    Why this is correct

    DTP allows an attacker to negotiate a trunk and access other VLANs.

  • The trunk port is set to native VLAN 1

    Why it's wrong here

    Native VLAN misuse is used for double-tagging attacks, but not the most common for this scenario.

  • The switch is using default VLAN 1 for management

    Why it's wrong here

    VLAN 1 is a security concern but not directly related to VLAN hopping.

  • Port security is not configured

    Why it's wrong here

    Port security limits MAC addresses but does not prevent VLAN hopping.

Visual reference

Switch VLAN 10 Sales (192.168.10.0/24) PC-A PC-B VLAN 20 HR (192.168.20.0/24) PC-C PC-D Router VLANs isolate traffic — inter-VLAN routing requires a Layer 3 device

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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