Quick Answer
The answer is DNS amplification, which is a common network attack that exploits open DNS resolvers to flood a target with amplified traffic, overwhelming its bandwidth and resources. This attack works by sending small queries with a spoofed source IP address to a DNS server, which then responds with a much larger payload to the victim, creating a devastating traffic multiplier. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of Layer 3 and Layer 4 attack vectors, often appearing alongside ARP spoofing and SYN flood as three distinct network-based threats. A common trap is confusing DNS amplification with a simple DNS cache poisoning attack, but remember that amplification is purely volumetric and does not alter DNS records. For a quick memory tip, think of the three A’s: Amplification, ARP, and SYN flood—all exploit trust in network protocols without authentication.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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 THREE are common types of network-based attacks? (Choose three.)
Buffer overflow
Why wrong: A software vulnerability exploit.
ARP spoofing
An attack on Layer 2 to intercept traffic.
SQL injection
Why wrong: An application-layer attack, not network-based.
SYN flood
A denial-of-service attack that consumes resources.
DNS amplification
A DDoS attack that leverages DNS servers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ARP spoofing
ARP spoofing is a network-based attack where an attacker sends falsified Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages over a local area network. This links the attacker's MAC address with the IP address of a legitimate host, allowing interception, modification, or blocking of traffic intended for that host. It is a classic Layer 2 attack that exploits the lack of authentication in ARP (RFC 826).
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.
Buffer overflow
Why it's wrong here
A software vulnerability exploit.
ARP spoofing
Why this is correct
An attack on Layer 2 to intercept traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
An application-layer attack, not network-based.
SYN flood
Why this is correct
A denial-of-service attack that consumes resources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DNS amplification
Why this is correct
A DDoS attack that leverages DNS servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse application-layer attacks (like SQL injection or buffer overflow) with network-based attacks, but the SSCP exam specifically tests whether you can distinguish attacks that operate at Layer 2 or Layer 3 of the OSI model from those targeting software or databases.
Detailed technical explanation
ARP spoofing works by sending gratuitous ARP replies that update the ARP cache of target hosts without a corresponding request. In a real-world scenario, an attacker on the same subnet can perform a man-in-the-middle attack, intercepting all traffic between a victim and the default gateway. Tools like Ettercap or arpspoof automate this, and defenses include dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) on managed switches and static ARP entries.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: ARP spoofing — ARP spoofing is a network-based attack where an attacker sends falsified Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages over a local area network. This links the attacker's MAC address with the IP address of a legitimate host, allowing interception, modification, or blocking of traffic intended for that host. It is a classic Layer 2 attack that exploits the lack of authentication in ARP (RFC 826).
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 →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE of the following are common types of network attacks?
hardWhy A: ARP spoofing is a network attack where an attacker sends falsified Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages onto a local area network. This links the attacker's MAC address with the IP address of a legitimate host, enabling interception, modification, or blocking of traffic intended for that host. It is a classic Layer 2 attack that exploits the lack of authentication in ARP.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 SSCP exam.
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