Promiscuous Mode

Promiscuous mode is a type of computer networking operational mode in which all network data packets can be accessed and viewed by all network adapters operating in this mode. It is a network security, monitoring and administration technique that enables access to entire network data packets by any configured network adapter on a host system.

Promiscuous mode is used to monitor(sniff) network traffic.

Typically, promiscuous mode is used and implemented by a snoop program that captures all network traffic visible on all configured network adapters on a system. Because of its ability to access all network traffic on a segment, promiscuous mode is also considered unsafe. Like a system with multiple VMs, each host has the ability to see network packets destined for other VMs on that system.