CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What happens during a DNS spoofing attack?

1. The attacker modifies the network's topography

2. The attacker corrupts DNS records or client host files

3. The attacker floods the network with false packets

4. The attacker disables the DNS server

The correct answer is: The attacker corrupts DNS records or client host files

During a DNS spoofing attack, the attacker corrupts the DNS records or client host files. This type of attack aims to redirect a user's intended request to a fraudulent IP address by providing misleading or incorrect DNS responses. When the attacker successfully alters the DNS entries, users may unknowingly connect to malicious websites instead of the legitimate ones they intended to visit. This can lead to various security issues, such as credential theft, malware infections, or other forms of cyberattacks. The modification of DNS records effectively allows the attacker to manipulate how domain names are resolved, significantly undermining the integrity of the DNS system. This attack can be executed through various methods, such as cache poisoning, where the attacker feeds false DNS responses to the DNS resolver, leading it to store these incorrect entries for future requests. Understanding that DNS serves as a critical component for navigating the internet highlights the seriousness of such an attack. It showcases how vulnerability in this area can have widespread implications for users' security and trust in online resources.