The answer is `reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ /s /v ImagePath`. This command recursively searches the registry for every service’s ImagePath value, revealing raw path strings that may contain spaces without quotes—the hallmark of an unquoted service path vulnerability. When Windows launches such a service, it interprets each space as a separator between the executable and its arguments, allowing an attacker to plant a malicious executable named after a folder in the path to achieve privilege escalation. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this technique tests your ability to enumerate misconfigurations from a low-privileged shell; a common trap is using `wmic` or `sc qc` instead, which may normalize or quote the path automatically, hiding the vulnerability. Remember the mnemonic: “Reg reveals raw, SC smooths the flaw”—always use the registry to see the unquoted truth.
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. 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.
A penetration tester has gained a low-privileged command shell on a Windows 10 system. The tester suspects there is a vulnerable service with an unquoted service path that can be exploited for privilege escalation. Which command should the tester use to identify all services with this vulnerability?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Correct. This registry query recursively lists all services and their ImagePath values. The tester can then inspect paths that contain spaces and are not enclosed in quotes.
C
sc query type= all state= all | findstr "SERVICE_NAME"
Why wrong: sc query lists service names only, not paths.
D
net start
Why wrong: net start lists running services, not paths.
Option B is correct because the `reg query` command with the `/s` switch recursively searches the registry key `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services` for the `ImagePath` value of each service. An unquoted service path vulnerability occurs when the `ImagePath` contains spaces and is not enclosed in quotes, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code by placing a malicious executable in a path that Windows interprets as a command with arguments. This command directly retrieves the raw path strings from the registry, making it the most reliable method to identify unquoted paths.
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.
✗
Get-Service | Format-List Name,PathName
Why it's wrong here
PowerShell Get-Service does not show the service path by default; it returns service status, not path.
Correct. This registry query recursively lists all services and their ImagePath values. The tester can then inspect paths that contain spaces and are not enclosed in quotes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
sc query type= all state= all | findstr "SERVICE_NAME"
Why it's wrong here
sc query lists service names only, not paths.
✗
net start
Why it's wrong here
net start lists running services, not paths.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume `sc query` or `Get-Service` will reveal the raw unquoted path, but these commands may normalize or omit quotation marks, whereas the registry `ImagePath` value stores the exact string used by the service, including missing quotes.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
PowerShell Get-Service does not show the service path by default; it returns service status, not path.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The unquoted service path vulnerability exploits how Windows’ CreateProcess function parses a command line: if the path is not quoted, Windows treats each space-separated segment as a potential executable. For example, a path like `C:\Program Files\MyApp\service.exe` without quotes will cause Windows to first attempt to execute `C:\Program.exe`, then `C:\Program Files\MyApp.exe`, and so on. In real-world engagements, testers often combine `reg query` with a filter for paths containing spaces and no quotes, then use `icacls` to check write permissions on the intermediate directories.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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: reg query HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ /s /v ImagePath — Option B is correct because the `reg query` command with the `/s` switch recursively searches the registry key `HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services` for the `ImagePath` value of each service. An unquoted service path vulnerability occurs when the `ImagePath` contains spaces and is not enclosed in quotes, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code by placing a malicious executable in a path that Windows interprets as a command with arguments. This command directly retrieves the raw path strings from the registry, making it the most reliable method to identify unquoted paths.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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.