nbtscan（NBTScan Discovering Network Shares）

NBTScan: Discovering Network Shares

Introduction

Have you ever needed to find a network share but didn't know where to start? Have you ever wished there was a way to easily scan a network to locate shares? If so, then NBTScan is the tool for you. In this article, we will explore what NBTScan is, how it works, and how it can be used to discover network shares.

What is NBTScan?

NBTScan is a command-line tool used to discover NetBIOS name servers on a network. NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a protocol used by Windows-based computers to share resources such as files and printers over a network. NBTScan sends a series of queries to each NetBIOS name server on the network and reports the results. It can be used to locate shares, as well as to enumerate shares and retrieve information about them.

How does NBTScan work?

NBTScan works by sending a series of NetBIOS queries to each name server on a network. A name server is a computer that provides NetBIOS name resolution services, which translates NetBIOS names (such as COMPUTERNAME) into IP addresses. NBTScan sends a query asking for a list of all NetBIOS names registered with each name server, and then sends a series of queries about each name to retrieve information about it. The information returned includes the NetBIOS name, the IP address of the computer where it is registered, and the type of service that the name represents (such as file sharing or printer sharing).

How to use NBTScan to discover network shares

To use NBTScan to discover network shares, the first step is to download and install the tool. NBTScan is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and can be downloaded for free from various websites. Once it is installed, open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the directory where the tool is installed.

The next step is to scan the network. To do this, type \"nbtscan\" followed by the IP address of the network to scan, or the network range in CIDR notation (such as 192.168.1.0/24). NBTScan will then send queries to each name server on the network and report the results. If any shares are discovered, they will be listed along with information such as the name of the share and the computer where it is located.

Once shares have been discovered, NBTScan can be used to enumerate them and retrieve information about them. This can be done by typing \"nbtscan -s [IP address]\" followed by the IP address of the computer where the share is located. This will return a list of all NetBIOS names registered with that computer, along with information about each name.

Conclusion

NBTScan is a useful tool for discovering network shares and retrieving information about them. By sending a series of queries to each NetBIOS name server on a network, NBTScan can locate shares and provide detailed information about them. The tool is easy to use and can be downloaded for free from various websites. Whether you are a network administrator or simply need to find a network share, NBTScan is a valuable tool to have in your toolbox.