mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped

A penetration tester is reviewing a Bash script that uses 'nmap' with the '-sC' and '-sV' flags. The script runs the scan and saves the output to a text file. Later, the tester uses 'grep' to extract lines containing 'open'. What is the primary purpose of this script?

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A penetration tester is reviewing a Bash script that uses 'nmap' with the '-sC' and '-sV' flags. The script runs the scan and saves the output to a text file. Later, the tester uses 'grep' to extract lines containing 'open'. What is the primary purpose of this script?

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

Best answer

Identify all open ports and services running on them

This is the primary purpose of combining service detection and default scripts.

B

Distractor review

Perform a vulnerability scan using NSE scripts

While default scripts may check for some vulnerabilities, the script's main focus is on port/service discovery due to the grep step.

C

Distractor review

Detect the operating system of the target

OS detection requires the `-O` flag, which is not used here.

D

Distractor review

Perform a stealthy SYN scan

A SYN scan uses `-sS`, not `-sC` and `-sV`.

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

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

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.

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: Identify all open ports and services running on them — The flags `-sC` (default scripts) and `-sV` (version detection) cause Nmap to identify open ports and the services/versions running on them. `grep "open"` extracts the lines indicating open ports. The primary purpose is to discover open ports and their associated services. Vulnerability scanning (B) is a secondary effect of default scripts, but the main goal is port/service discovery. OS detection (C) requires `-O`. Stealthy SYN scan (D) requires `-sS`, not `-sC` and `-sV`.

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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