Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A penetration tester has gained a low-privileged shell on a Linux server and discovers a binary with the SUID bit set owned by root. The binary executes a system command using a relative path without sanitizing user input. Which of the following techniques would the tester MOST likely use to escalate privileges?
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
Exploit a kernel vulnerability to gain root
While kernel exploits can escalate privileges, they are more complex and less reliable than exploiting an SUID misconfiguration.
B
Best answer
Modify the PATH environment variable to point to a malicious script with the same name as the command called by the binary
PATH hijacking leverages the SUID binary's use of a relative path; by placing a malicious executable earlier in PATH, the binary executes it with root privileges.
C
Distractor review
Impersonate the root user using sudo
The tester is not in the sudoers file and does not have the root password, so sudo cannot be used.
D
Distractor review
Preload a shared library using LD_PRELOAD
LD_PRELOAD is not effective for SUID binaries as Linux systems disable it for security reasons.
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: Modify the PATH environment variable to point to a malicious script with the same name as the command called by the binary — When a SUID binary uses a relative path to invoke a command and does not sanitize input, an attacker can manipulate the PATH environment variable to substitute their own malicious executable with the same name. This is known as PATH hijacking. The binary runs with root privileges, so the attacker's code also runs as root. Option A (kernel exploit) is possible but not the most direct when a misconfiguration exists. Option C (sudo impersonation) is not directly related. Option D (LD_PRELOAD) works for dynamically linked binaries but is often disabled for SUID programs due to security measures.
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
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