The correct action is to modify the existing PowerShell script to include a reverse shell that connects back to the tester. This is the best approach because it leverages the legitimate lateral movement via GPO scheduled tasks already running on the network, using WinRM on port 5985, which is permitted through the firewall and uses stored domain admin credentials. By injecting a reverse shell into the trusted script, the tester avoids creating new connections or unusual traffic patterns that would trigger the SIEM or SOC alerts. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of abusing existing administrative channels to move laterally while evading detection, a common trap being the temptation to open a new port or service. Remember the key principle: blend with the baseline—if WinRM is already flowing, ride that wave. Memory tip: "Scripted shell, no new bell" — modify, don’t create.
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. 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 engaged to assess a corporate network that uses a centralized logging server (SIEM) with a 24/7 SOC. The tester has gained initial access to a Windows workstation via a phishing email. The goal is to move laterally to a domain controller without triggering alerts. The internal network is segmented into VLANs: a user VLAN (192.168.1.0/24) and a server VLAN (10.0.0.0/24) with strict firewall rules allowing only specific ports (e.g., RDP from user VLAN to server VLAN is denied). The tester discovers that the workstation has a PowerShell script that runs every hour to check for drive space on all servers using WinRM (port 5985) with stored domain admin credentials. The script is scheduled via a domain GPO. Which of the following actions should the tester perform to achieve lateral movement to the domain controller with the lowest chance of detection?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the existing PowerShell script to include a reverse shell that connects back to the tester
Option C is correct because modifying the existing PowerShell script to include a reverse shell allows the tester to execute code on the domain controller using WinRM (port 5985), which is already permitted by the firewall and part of a legitimate scheduled task. This approach leverages the stored domain admin credentials and the trusted script execution path, avoiding any new connections or anomalies that would trigger SOC alerts. The reverse shell blends into the normal WinRM traffic, making detection by the SIEM or SOC highly unlikely.
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.
✗
Alter the firewall rules to allow direct access from the user VLAN to the server VLAN
Why it's wrong here
Modifying firewall rules requires elevated privileges and could trigger alerts.
✗
Use a RDP client to connect directly to the domain controller from the workstation
Why it's wrong here
RDP from user VLAN to server VLAN is denied by firewall rules and would be blocked or logged.
✓
Modify the existing PowerShell script to include a reverse shell that connects back to the tester
Why this is correct
This leverages existing trusted infrastructure and credentials, blending in with normal operations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Perform a pass-the-hash attack from the workstation to the domain controller using SMB
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-hash over SMB might be detected by the SOC as anomalous lateral movement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose pass-the-hash (Option D) because it is a well-known lateral movement technique, but they overlook the strict firewall rules and logging that would expose the SMB traffic, whereas modifying an existing trusted script (Option C) is stealthier and aligns with the scenario's constraints.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
WinRM (Windows Remote Management) operates over HTTP/HTTPS on ports 5985/5986 and uses Kerberos or NTLM authentication; when a PowerShell script is scheduled via GPO, it runs in the context of the SYSTEM account or a specified user, inheriting stored credentials. By injecting a reverse shell into the script, the tester can execute arbitrary commands on the target server without initiating a new network session, as the WinRM connection is already established and trusted. In real-world engagements, this technique is known as 'living off the land' and is favored because it mimics legitimate administrative activity, bypassing behavioral detection rules.
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
An employee at a financial services firm receives an email that appears to come from the IT helpdesk, asking them to reset their password via a link. The link leads to a convincing fake portal that harvests credentials. Security teams use phishing simulations and security-awareness training to reduce this attack vector. Questions like this test whether you can identify social engineering techniques and appropriate controls.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the existing PowerShell script to include a reverse shell that connects back to the tester — Option C is correct because modifying the existing PowerShell script to include a reverse shell allows the tester to execute code on the domain controller using WinRM (port 5985), which is already permitted by the firewall and part of a legitimate scheduled task. This approach leverages the stored domain admin credentials and the trusted script execution path, avoiding any new connections or anomalies that would trigger SOC alerts. The reverse shell blends into the normal WinRM traffic, making detection by the SIEM or SOC highly unlikely.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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