- A
Unquoted service path exploitation
Correct: Unquoted service paths can lead to arbitrary code execution.
- B
Pass-the-hash
Why wrong: Pass-the-hash is lateral movement, not local escalation.
- C
AlwaysInstallElevated registry key abuse
Correct: If set, allows any user to install programs as SYSTEM.
- D
Kerberoasting
Why wrong: Kerberoasting is for credential access, not local escalation.
- E
SUID/SGID binary exploitation
Why wrong: SUID/SGID is Linux-specific.
Question 462 of 1,000
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 performing a full-scope engagement and needs to identify potential privilege escalation vectors on a Windows system. Which TWO of the following are valid Windows privilege escalation techniques?
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
✓
Unquoted service path exploitation
Unquoted service paths and AlwaysInstallElevated are both valid Windows privilege escalation techniques. Kerberoasting and pass-the-hash are for credential access, not local escalation; SUID/SGID is Linux.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Unquoted service path exploitation
Why this is correct
Correct: Unquoted service paths can lead to arbitrary code execution.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Pass-the-hash
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-hash is lateral movement, not local escalation.
- ✓
AlwaysInstallElevated registry key abuse
Why this is correct
Correct: If set, allows any user to install programs as SYSTEM.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Kerberoasting
Why it's wrong here
Kerberoasting is for credential access, not local escalation.
- ✗
SUID/SGID binary exploitation
Why it's wrong here
SUID/SGID is Linux-specific.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Attacks and Exploits — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Unquoted service path exploitation — Unquoted service paths and AlwaysInstallElevated are both valid Windows privilege escalation techniques. Kerberoasting and pass-the-hash are for credential access, not local escalation; SUID/SGID is Linux.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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