- A
Remote service modification for persistence.
By using Invoke-Command to run Set-Service on remote machines, the attacker can enable services or set them to auto-start, ensuring their backdoor continues to run after restart.
- B
Lateral movement via PsExec.
Why wrong: While Invoke-Command can be used for lateral movement, the script does not show service creation or binary execution. Set-Service is specifically about changing service configuration, not executing commands as a service.
- C
Credential dumping.
Why wrong: Credential dumping would involve accessing LSASS or the SAM database. This script does not include any credential access techniques like Invoke-Mimikatz.
- D
Data exfiltration.
Why wrong: Data exfiltration would involve transferring files or data off the network. There is no indication of data transfer or compression in the described script.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is remote service modification for persistence. This attack leverages Invoke-Command to run PowerShell commands on a remote system, combined with Set-Service to alter a service’s startup type—typically to “Automatic”—so that malicious code tied to that service executes every time the machine boots. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish persistence techniques from lateral movement or credential dumping; a common trap is confusing it with PsExec, which uses SMB and the Service Control Manager differently, or assuming any remote command implies lateral movement. Instead, focus on the intent: changing a service’s behavior to survive reboots. A useful memory tip is “Set to Start” — if you see Set-Service changing startup types, think persistence, not pass-the-hash or pivot.
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. A key principle to apply: invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers.. 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 uses the 'Invoke-Command' cmdlet to execute commands on remote machines, and 'Set-Service' to change service startup types. What attack is this script most likely performing?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
Remote service modification for persistence.
The script uses Invoke-Command to execute commands on remote machines and Set-Service to change service startup types. This combination is commonly used to modify a service to start automatically or to create a new service that runs malicious code, establishing persistence on a remote system. The attack does not involve lateral movement via PsExec (which uses SMB and service control manager differently) nor credential dumping (which requires tools like Mimikatz or direct memory access).
Key principle: Invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Remote service modification for persistence.
Why this is correct
By using Invoke-Command to run Set-Service on remote machines, the attacker can enable services or set them to auto-start, ensuring their backdoor continues to run after restart.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers.
- ✗
Lateral movement via PsExec.
Why it's wrong here
While Invoke-Command can be used for lateral movement, the script does not show service creation or binary execution. Set-Service is specifically about changing service configuration, not executing commands as a service.
- ✗
Credential dumping.
Why it's wrong here
Credential dumping would involve accessing LSASS or the SAM database. This script does not include any credential access techniques like Invoke-Mimikatz.
- ✗
Data exfiltration.
Why it's wrong here
Data exfiltration would involve transferring files or data off the network. There is no indication of data transfer or compression in the described script.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the use of Invoke-Command (PowerShell Remoting) with PsExec, but PsExec is a distinct tool that does not use the Invoke-Command cmdlet, and the focus on service modification points to persistence rather than lateral movement or credential theft.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While Invoke-Command can be used for lateral movement, the script does not show service creation or binary execution. Set-Service is specifically about changing service configuration, not executing commands as a service.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Invoke-Command uses PowerShell Remoting over WinRM (HTTP/HTTPS on ports 5985/5986) to run commands on remote systems, while Set-Service modifies the service configuration in the registry (HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services). An attacker can set a service to 'Automatic' and point its ImagePath to a malicious binary, ensuring execution at boot. In real-world attacks, this technique is often combined with disabling security services or creating a backdoor service that survives reboots.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers.
- Set-Service modifies properties of existing Windows services.
- Persistence ensures continued access to a compromised system.
- Modifying service startup types is a common persistence technique.
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
Invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers., then practise related PT0-002 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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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 — Invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remote service modification for persistence. — The script uses Invoke-Command to execute commands on remote machines and Set-Service to change service startup types. This combination is commonly used to modify a service to start automatically or to create a new service that runs malicious code, establishing persistence on a remote system. The attack does not involve lateral movement via PsExec (which uses SMB and service control manager differently) nor credential dumping (which requires tools like Mimikatz or direct memory access).
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers., then practise related PT0-002 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Invoke-Command executes PowerShell commands on remote computers.
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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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