What does the following command in netcat do?

Command Breakdown:

nc: Netcat utility

-l: Listen mode

-u: Use UDP protocol

-p 55555: Listen on port 55555

< /etc/passwd: Redirects the contents of /etc/passwd into the socket

This means that when a connection is made to UDP port 55555, the contents of /etc/passwd will be sent to the connecting host.

From CEH v13 Courseware:

Module 8: Sniffing & Network Communication Tools

CEH v13 Study Guide states:

“Netcat can be used to serve files, open shells, or transfer data. Using input redirection, it can stream file contents to anyone who connects.”

Incorrect Options:

A: Does not log; it outputs /etc/passwd

C: The opposite; it serves the file, doesn’t grab it

D: Netcat does not delete files with this syntax