root@thehacksparrow:~/writeups$ SYSTEM ONLINE
root@sparrow:~/writeups$ cat netdiscover.md
// recon

netdiscover

22 Jul 2026 · 1 min read

netdiscover discovers active hosts on your local network via ARP requests — very useful when you don't know the target machine's IP within a subnet (typical in labs like Metasploitable or freshly deployed VMs).

TypeCLI
PlatformKali / Linux
netdiscover cheat sheet

Usage

sudo netdiscover -r 192.168.1.0/24

-r sets the network range to scan (here, the full /24). The result lists every active IP alongside its MAC address and vendor — for example, a Metasploitable machine might show up as 192.168.1.58.

Responsible use

These commands are for systems you own or have explicit written authorisation to test (labs, CTFs, contracted engagements). Using them against third-party infrastructure without permission is illegal in most countries.