Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A client engages a penetration testing firm to evaluate the security of their internal network. During the scoping meeting, the client states that they use a network access control (NAC) solution that might block the tester's machine if it is connected to the internal network without prior authorization. Which of the following should be included in the rules of engagement to address this potential issue?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Include a requirement that the client disables NAC during the testing window.
Disabling NAC globally would change the security posture and potentially allow other unauthorized devices onto the network, which is not a reasonable request.
B
Distractor review
State that the tester will not connect to the internal network and will only test externally.
The client requested an internal network test; testing externally would not fulfill the project scope.
C
Distractor review
Specify that the tester will bypass NAC as part of the test objectives.
Bypassing NAC could be a test goal, but the immediate operational issue is that the tester's device may be blocked. The ROE should address access, not add an unexpected objective.
D
Best answer
Add a clause requiring the client to whitelist the tester's MAC address in the NAC policy before testing.
Whitelisting the tester's MAC address allows the NAC to recognize the testing device as authorized, preventing service disruption without weakening overall security.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Related practice questions
Related PT0-002 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary for a report. The client's CEO needs to understand the business impact of a critical SQL injection vulnerability. Which of the following should the tester include?
Question 2
A penetration tester has gained a low-privileged shell on a Linux server. During enumeration, the tester discovers a binary with the SUID bit set that belongs to root and is known to have a buffer overflow vulnerability. What is the MOST effective next step to escalate privileges?
Question 3
A penetration tester is performing passive reconnaissance against a target domain. Which of the following resources can be used to gather information about the target without directly sending packets to the target's network? (Select two.) (Choose 2.)
Question 4
A penetration tester has obtained a TGT from a domain controller by cracking the krbtgt hash. Which attack can the tester now perform to gain persistent administrative access to any resource in the domain?
Question 5
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary for the final report. The CEO needs to understand the overall risk level and the business impact of the findings. Which of the following should be included in the executive summary?
Question 6
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary of a penetration test report. Which of the following elements is MOST important to include for a non-technical audience?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a clause requiring the client to whitelist the tester's MAC address in the NAC policy before testing. — NAC solutions can automatically block unknown devices. To prevent the tester's machine from being blocked, the best approach is to have the client whitelist the tester's MAC address or IP address in the NAC solution before testing begins. This ensures that the tester's activities are not disrupted and that the test can proceed smoothly. Not using the internal network would defeat the purpose of an internal test. The tester should not propose bypassing NAC as a goal of the test (that would be a scope creep), and asking the client to disable NAC globally would be overly disruptive and unrealistic.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
Discussion
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.