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hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped

A penetration tester is attempting to exploit a buffer overflow vulnerability in a Linux binary. The binary has Data Execution Prevention (DEP) enabled but Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is disabled. Which exploitation technique would be the MOST effective to achieve code execution?

Question 1hardmultiple choice
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A penetration tester is attempting to exploit a buffer overflow vulnerability in a Linux binary. The binary has Data Execution Prevention (DEP) enabled but Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is disabled. Which exploitation technique would be the MOST effective to achieve code execution?

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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

Inject shellcode into the buffer and redirect execution to it

DEP prevents execution from memory regions marked as non-executable, so this would fail.

B

Distractor review

Use a ROP chain to call mprotect() to make the stack executable, then jump to shellcode

This could work in theory but requires building a complex ROP chain and is more difficult than simple ret2libc. Since ASLR is off, ret2libc is simpler.

C

Best answer

Perform a return-to-libc attack to call system("/bin/sh")

Correct. Return-to-libc bypasses DEP by reusing existing executable code in libc. Without ASLR, addresses are predictable, making this straightforward.

D

Distractor review

Use a heap spray to place shellcode at a known address and then trigger the overflow

Heap spraying is typically used to bypass ASLR or to ensure shellcode is at a predictable heap address, but it does not bypass DEP. DEP would still block execution of sprayed shellcode.

Common exam trap

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
  • Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

  • Underline the problem statement mentally.
  • 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.

Related practice questions

Related PT0-002 practice-question pages

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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?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Perform a return-to-libc attack to call system("/bin/sh") — With DEP enabled, the tester cannot directly execute shellcode on the stack or heap. However, with ASLR disabled, the addresses of functions in libc are predictable. Return-to-libc (ret2libc) allows calling system functions like system() with controlled arguments, bypassing DEP.

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.

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