PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
A penetration tester is assessing a web application that uses a GraphQL endpoint. The tester wants to extract sensitive data by abusing the introspection system. Which of the following actions should the tester perform first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that GraphQL endpoints require SQL injection or brute-force to extract schema information, overlooking built-in introspection.
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
✓
Send a POST request with a query that includes __schema to retrieve the full schema
GraphQL introspection allows clients to query the __schema field to obtain the complete API schema. This is the fastest way to discover all available queries, mutations, and types, which can then be analyzed for sensitive data exposure. The other options are either different attack types or less efficient methods.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Send a POST request with a query that includes __schema to retrieve the full schema
Why this is correct
GraphQL introspection is enabled by default in many implementations, and querying the __schema field returns the entire schema, including types, fields, and arguments. This is the first step to map the API and identify sensitive queries or mutations that can be abused to extract data.
- ✗
Use a CSRF attack to force an authenticated user to execute a GraphQL mutation
Why it's wrong here
CSRF is a viable attack against GraphQL if the endpoint lacks CSRF protections, but it does not help extract sensitive data via introspection. The question specifically asks about abusing the introspection system, so CSRF is not the correct first step.
- ✗
Brute-force the GraphQL endpoint with common query names to discover hidden fields
Why it's wrong here
Brute-forcing query names is a fallback when introspection is disabled, but it is inefficient and not the first step. Since the question implies introspection is available, directly querying __schema is the most effective and immediate way to retrieve the schema.
- ✗
Perform a blind SQL injection on the GraphQL endpoint to dump the database
Why it's wrong here
GraphQL endpoints are not inherently vulnerable to SQL injection, and blind SQL injection is a different attack class. Introspection is a GraphQL-specific feature that can reveal the schema without needing to exploit a database vulnerability. This option misidentifies the attack vector.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This PT0-003 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 PT0-003 exam.