- A
Use SSH tunneling to create a local forward to the database server's port
SSH tunneling can forward local ports to internal services.
- B
Perform a SQL injection attack against the database server
Why wrong: SQL injection is typically used for initial access, not lateral movement from another host.
- C
Deploy a reverse shell from the web server to the tester's machine
Why wrong: Reverse shells provide access to the web server, not pivoting to internal hosts.
- D
Install a keylogger on the web server to capture database credentials
Why wrong: Keylogging is for credential theft, not direct pivoting.
- E
Use Metasploit's route add command to add a route to the internal subnet through the web server
This enables Metasploit to route traffic through the compromised host.
CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a penetration test, the tester has gained initial access to a web server and wants to perform lateral movement to reach a database server. The tester enumerates the network and finds that the web server has two network interfaces: one connected to a DMZ and one to an internal network. The database server is on the internal network. Which TWO techniques could the tester use to pivot from the web server to the database server? (Choose TWO.)
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
Use SSH tunneling to create a local forward to the database server's port
Pivoting techniques include using the compromised host as a proxy to route traffic and port forwarding to tunnel to internal systems. SSH tunneling and Metasploit's pivot module are common. A reverse shell is for initial access, not pivoting. SQL injection is for initial compromise, not lateral movement.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use SSH tunneling to create a local forward to the database server's port
- ✗
Perform a SQL injection attack against the database server
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection is typically used for initial access, not lateral movement from another host.
- ✗
Deploy a reverse shell from the web server to the tester's machine
Why it's wrong here
Reverse shells provide access to the web server, not pivoting to internal hosts.
- ✗
Install a keylogger on the web server to capture database credentials
Why it's wrong here
Keylogging is for credential theft, not direct pivoting.
- ✓
Use Metasploit's route add command to add a route to the internal subnet through the web server
Why this is correct
This enables Metasploit to route traffic through the compromised host.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CAS-004 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CAS-004 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use SSH tunneling to create a local forward to the database server's port — Pivoting techniques include using the compromised host as a proxy to route traffic and port forwarding to tunnel to internal systems. SSH tunneling and Metasploit's pivot module are common. A reverse shell is for initial access, not pivoting. SQL injection is for initial compromise, not lateral movement.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CAS-004 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CAS-004 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-004 exam.
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