What is the following command used for?

The given command is used to establish a null session connection with the IPC$ share on a Windows machine. IPC$ (Inter-Process Communication) is a special hidden share used for Windows inter-process communication, and when connected with blank credentials, it allows anonymous access to certain system information — a common step in enumeration.

Command breakdown:

net use \target\ipc$ "" /u:""

→ Initiates a connection using a blank username and password (null session).

From CEH v13 Courseware:

Module 04: Enumeration

Topic: Null Sessions and SMB Enumeration

CEH v13 Study Guide states:

“A null session allows unauthorized users to connect to a Windows machine and extract information like usernames, shares, and policies. Null sessions exploit the default settings of the IPC$ share and are typically initiated using net use commands.”

Incorrect Options:

A/B: Accessing the etc/passwd or SAM directly is not the function of this command.

C: Samba uses SMB, but this is targeting a Windows system.

E: Cisco router enumeration involves SNMP, not Windows IPC$.