Which exploit involves breaching the network cable and using a packet sniffer to record traffic?

Wiretapping is the correct answer because it refers to the interception of communications through a physical connection to a network cable. In the context of network security, wiretapping involves an unauthorized individual physically breaching the integrity of a network cable with the intent to capture the data packets that flow through it. Using a packet sniffer, they can record and analyze this traffic, potentially gaining access to sensitive information.

The context surrounding this topic includes various network attacks. For instance, ARP poisoning involves sending falsified Address Resolution Protocol messages over a local area network, which can redirect traffic but does not specifically entail breaching a physical cable. Port scanning is a method for identifying active ports and services on a host, which relies on probing rather than capturing already transmitted data. Session hijacking occurs when an attacker takes control of a user session after successfully exploiting it, which also doesn't involve direct access to network cables or real-time traffic interception through physical means. Thus, wiretapping distinctly captures the act of snatching data directly from a physical connection, making it the most appropriate choice.