- A
input('Enter name:')
Why wrong: input() simply reads a string, no execution.
- B
open(filename, 'r')
Why wrong: File operations are not inherently dangerous.
- C
eval(user_input)
eval() executes arbitrary Python code from user input.
- D
subprocess.run(['ls'])
Why wrong: While subprocess can run commands, with hardcoded arguments it's less dangerous.
Question 276 of 1,000
PT0-002 Tools and Code Analysis Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code analysis. 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 reviewing a Python script used for a custom exploit. Which of the following code snippets contains a dangerous function that could lead to remote code execution?
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
✓
eval(user_input)
Option C is correct because the `eval()` function in Python interprets and executes the string passed to it as a Python expression. If an attacker can control the `user_input` string, they can inject arbitrary Python code, leading to remote code execution (RCE). This is a classic dangerous function in Python that should never be used with untrusted input.
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.
- ✗
input('Enter name:')
Why it's wrong here
input() simply reads a string, no execution.
- ✗
open(filename, 'r')
Why it's wrong here
File operations are not inherently dangerous.
- ✓
eval(user_input)
Why this is correct
eval() executes arbitrary Python code from user input.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
subprocess.run(['ls'])
Why it's wrong here
While subprocess can run commands, with hardcoded arguments it's less dangerous.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that `input()` in Python 3 is dangerous like Python 2's `input()`, or that `subprocess.run` with a list is automatically safe, when the real danger is `eval()` and its equivalents (`exec()`, `compile()`).
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While subprocess can run commands, with hardcoded arguments it's less dangerous.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `eval()` function compiles and evaluates a string as a Python expression, which means an attacker can execute arbitrary system commands via `__import__('os').system('id')` or similar payloads. In real-world scenarios, this vulnerability often appears in web applications that use `eval()` to parse JSON or configuration data, leading to full server compromise. Even seemingly safe uses like `eval('1+1')` can be exploited if the input is not strictly validated.
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
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Tools and Code Analysis — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: eval(user_input) — Option C is correct because the `eval()` function in Python interprets and executes the string passed to it as a Python expression. If an attacker can control the `user_input` string, they can inject arbitrary Python code, leading to remote code execution (RCE). This is a classic dangerous function in Python that should never be used with untrusted input.
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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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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