CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
During a penetration test, the tester has gained initial access to a web server and wants to move laterally to a database server. Which of the following techniques would be most effective for identifying valid credentials that could be reused on the database server?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Using Mimikatz to dump credentials from memory
Mimikatz is a tool that extracts plaintext passwords, hashes, and Kerberos tickets from memory. It is commonly used for credential dumping to enable lateral movement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Running a port scan on the internal network
Why it's wrong here
Port scans identify services but do not provide credentials.
- ✗
Deploying a web shell for persistent access
Why it's wrong here
Web shell provides persistent access but not credentials.
- ✗
Conducting a SQL injection on the database server
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection targets the database but requires network access; likely not accessible from web server initially.
- ✓
Using Mimikatz to dump credentials from memory
Why this is correct
Mimikatz extracts credentials that may be reused.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-005 exam.