- A
Enumerate all installed services to find vulnerable applications
Why wrong: The script filters for paths with spaces, not all services, so it is specifically targeting unquoted path vulnerabilities rather than general enumeration.
- B
Identify services that run with elevated privileges
Why wrong: The script does not check the user account under which the service runs (e.g., LocalSystem vs. NetworkService). It only looks at the path name pattern.
- C
List services that have unquoted paths in their binary path
The wildcard pattern '* *' catches paths with spaces, which is the hallmark of an unquoted service path vulnerability. The script identifies such services for further analysis.
- D
Check for services with weak file permissions
Why wrong: The script does not examine file permissions on the binary or its directories; it only selects services based on the path containing a space.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that this PowerShell script lists services with unquoted service paths, a key privilege escalation vector. It works by querying the Win32_Service class via Get-WmiObject, then filtering with Where-Object {$_.PathName -like "* *"} to catch any service binary path containing a space that is not enclosed in quotes. This unquoted service path enumeration is a classic pentest technique because Windows will interpret each space-separated segment as a potential executable, allowing an attacker to place a malicious binary earlier in the path. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this tests your understanding of Windows service vulnerabilities and PowerShell enumeration—a common trap is confusing this with listing all services or checking service states. Remember the memory tip: "Spaces without quotes are escalation routes"—if the path has a space and no quotes, it’s a target for privilege escalation.
PT0-002 Tools and Code Analysis Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A penetration tester is analyzing a PowerShell script that contains the following code: Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Service | Where-Object {$_.PathName -like "* *"} | Select-Object Name, PathName, State What is the primary purpose of this script?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
List services that have unquoted paths in their binary path
The script uses Get-WmiObject to query the Win32_Service class, then filters with Where-Object where the PathName property contains a space (the -like '* *' pattern). This specifically targets services whose binary path includes a space but is not enclosed in quotes, a classic unquoted service path vulnerability. The Select-Object then outputs the service name, path, and state, making option C the correct answer.
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.
- ✗
Enumerate all installed services to find vulnerable applications
Why it's wrong here
The script filters for paths with spaces, not all services, so it is specifically targeting unquoted path vulnerabilities rather than general enumeration.
- ✗
Identify services that run with elevated privileges
Why it's wrong here
The script does not check the user account under which the service runs (e.g., LocalSystem vs. NetworkService). It only looks at the path name pattern.
- ✓
List services that have unquoted paths in their binary path
Why this is correct
The wildcard pattern '* *' catches paths with spaces, which is the hallmark of an unquoted service path vulnerability. The script identifies such services for further analysis.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Check for services with weak file permissions
Why it's wrong here
The script does not examine file permissions on the binary or its directories; it only selects services based on the path containing a space.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between enumerating services for unquoted paths versus checking for weak permissions or privilege levels; the trap here is that candidates may confuse the path format check with a security permission audit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The unquoted service path vulnerability arises when the Windows Service Control Manager (SCM) interprets a path with spaces as multiple arguments, potentially allowing an attacker to place a malicious executable earlier in the path hierarchy. For example, a service path like 'C:\Program Files\MyApp\service.exe' without quotes could be exploited by creating a malicious 'Program.exe' in C:\. The -like '* *' filter catches any path containing a space, but a more precise check would also verify the absence of surrounding quotes.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Tools and Code Analysis — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: List services that have unquoted paths in their binary path — The script uses Get-WmiObject to query the Win32_Service class, then filters with Where-Object where the PathName property contains a space (the -like '* *' pattern). This specifically targets services whose binary path includes a space but is not enclosed in quotes, a classic unquoted service path vulnerability. The Select-Object then outputs the service name, path, and state, making option C the correct answer.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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