The answer is pass-the-hash (PtH), the most appropriate technique for authenticating to a target server using captured NTLM hashes without needing the plaintext password. This works because NTLM authentication relies on the hash itself as the shared secret during the challenge-response handshake; by passing the hash directly to the server, the tester completes the authentication process as if they possessed the original password. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your understanding of lateral movement in Windows environments, often appearing in scenarios where you’ve already gained a foothold and need to pivot to another system. A common trap is confusing pass-the-hash with pass-the-ticket or credential dumping—remember that PtH specifically exploits NTLM’s hash-based protocol, not Kerberos tickets. Memory tip: “Hash it, pass it, move laterally—no plaintext, no problem.”
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
A penetration tester has captured NTLM hashes from a compromised machine and wants to move laterally to a server that requires NTLM authentication. The tester does not have the plaintext password. Which attack technique is MOST appropriate for authenticating using the captured hashes?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Pass-the-hash
Pass-the-hash (PtH) is the most appropriate technique because it allows the tester to authenticate to the target server using the captured NTLM hash directly, without needing the plaintext password. NTLM authentication uses the hash as a secret, so the hash can be passed to the server in the challenge-response handshake. This is a well-known lateral movement technique in Windows environments.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Brute force the password from the hash
Why it's wrong here
While possible, brute-forcing is time-consuming and not the most efficient method compared to using the hash directly.
✓
Pass-the-hash
Why this is correct
Pass-the-hash uses the NTLM hash to authenticate without needing the plaintext password, enabling lateral movement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
NTLM relay
Why it's wrong here
NTLM relay involves intercepting and forwarding authentication attempts to gain access; it is not directly using an already obtained hash.
✗
Kerberoasting
Why it's wrong here
Kerberoasting targets service account TGS tickets, not NTLM hashes, and is used to crack service account passwords offline.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between pass-the-hash and NTLM relay, where candidates confuse the need for an active relay target versus simply using a captured hash to authenticate directly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In NTLMv1/v2, the server sends an 8-byte challenge, and the client responds with an HMAC-MD5 (v2) or DES-based (v1) response computed from the hash. With pass-the-hash, tools like Mimikatz or Impacket's smbexec.py inject the hash into the local security context (e.g., via Secur32 or Kerberos S4U), allowing the attacker to complete the challenge-response without the plaintext. Real-world scenarios often involve using the local administrator hash (e.g., from SAM or LSASS) to move laterally to other machines where the same local account exists.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Pass-the-hash — Pass-the-hash (PtH) is the most appropriate technique because it allows the tester to authenticate to the target server using the captured NTLM hash directly, without needing the plaintext password. NTLM authentication uses the hash as a secret, so the hash can be passed to the server in the challenge-response handshake. This is a well-known lateral movement technique in Windows environments.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This PT0-002 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 PT0-002 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.