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A penetration tester discovers that a web application uses a vulnerable Java deserialization endpoint. The classpath includes the Apache Commons Collections library. Which attack technique is most likely to achieve remote code execution?

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A penetration tester discovers that a web application uses a vulnerable Java deserialization endpoint. The classpath includes the Apache Commons Collections library. Which attack technique is most likely to achieve remote code execution?

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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

Best answer

Java deserialization of untrusted data (RCE via Commons Collections).

The presence of Commons Collections provides known gadget chains (e.g., ysoserial) that can achieve code execution during deserialization, making this the direct attack vector.

B

Distractor review

SQL injection.

While SQL injection is a common web vulnerability, the scenario specifically describes a deserialization endpoint, not a SQL query. SQL injection would require a different entry point.

C

Distractor review

Cross-site scripting.

XSS is a client-side attack that runs in the browser, not server-side code execution. It cannot achieve RCE on the server through deserialization.

D

Distractor review

Command injection.

Command injection exploits improper sanitization of user input in system shell commands. Deserialization is a different class of vulnerability, though both can lead to RCE.

Common exam trap

Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic

NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
  • PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
  • Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
  • NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.

TExam Day Tips

  • Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
  • Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
  • Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.

Related practice questions

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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?

Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Java deserialization of untrusted data (RCE via Commons Collections). — Java deserialization vulnerabilities occur when an application deserializes untrusted data. If popular libraries like Commons Collections are present, attackers can use gadget chains to invoke arbitrary methods during deserialization. This can lead to remote code execution without requiring other vulnerabilities like SQL injection or command injection.

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.

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