The answer is lateral movement, as the script authenticates to a remote server and accesses a file stored there. This is the classic PowerShell remoting pattern for lateral movement in Active Directory: `Get-Credential` captures domain credentials, `New-PSSession` establishes a remote session to Server01, and `Invoke-Command` executes the `Get-ChildItem` command on that target host, reading C:\Secrets.txt without any local privilege escalation or brute-forcing. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish lateral movement from privilege escalation or credential harvesting—a common trap is confusing remote file access with local privilege escalation. Remember the mnemonic "CRI" for the pattern: Credentials, Remote session, Invoke command.
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 used during an internal test. The script contains the following code block: ```powershell $cred = Get-Credential $session = New-PSSession -ComputerName 'Server01' -Credential $cred Invoke-Command -Session $session -ScriptBlock { Get-ChildItem C:\Secrets.txt } Remove-PSSession $session ``` 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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To achieve lateral movement and access a file on a remote server
The script uses Get-Credential to obtain user credentials, creates a remote PowerShell session (PSSession) to Server01 via New-PSSession, and then executes Get-ChildItem C:\Secrets.txt on that remote server using Invoke-Command. This is the classic pattern for lateral movement: authenticating to a remote host and accessing a file stored there, not performing any local privilege escalation or password brute-forcing.
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.
✗
To perform a local privilege escalation using stored credentials
Why it's wrong here
The script uses remote PowerShell remoting (WinRM) to access another machine, not a local privilege escalation technique.
✓
To achieve lateral movement and access a file on a remote server
Why this is correct
The script establishes a remote session to 'Server01' and executes a command to list a file, demonstrating lateral movement.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
To brute-force the password of the user account via 'Get-Credential'
Why it's wrong here
'Get-Credential' prompts for credentials interactively; it does not brute-force passwords.
✗
To execute a script from the remote server using the ScriptBlock
Why it's wrong here
The ScriptBlock contains a simple command, not a script stored on the remote server; it is an inline script block.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the use of Get-Credential with a brute-force attack, or misinterpret the remote file access as a local privilege escalation, when the script's clear intent is lateral movement via PowerShell remoting.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The ScriptBlock contains a simple command, not a script stored on the remote server; it is an inline script block.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, New-PSSession establishes a WinRM (WS-Management) connection to the remote host, typically over HTTP/HTTPS on port 5985/5986, and creates a persistent session context. Invoke-Command then sends the script block to that session for execution on the remote machine, returning output to the local session. In real-world engagements, this technique is often used to move from a compromised workstation to a file server or domain controller, leveraging valid credentials to access sensitive data without deploying malware.
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.
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: To achieve lateral movement and access a file on a remote server — The script uses Get-Credential to obtain user credentials, creates a remote PowerShell session (PSSession) to Server01 via New-PSSession, and then executes Get-ChildItem C:\Secrets.txt on that remote server using Invoke-Command. This is the classic pattern for lateral movement: authenticating to a remote host and accessing a file stored there, not performing any local privilege escalation or password brute-forcing.
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.
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Question Discussion
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