A penetration tester is scoping an engagement for a client that hosts a public-facing web application and an internal database server. The client wants to ensure that testing does not cause any disruption to the database server. Which of the following should the tester include in the rules of engagement to address this concern?
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.
Distractor review
Specify that only passive reconnaissance techniques will be used on the database server.
Passive recon may still involve listening to network traffic or other activities that could trigger alarms or cause unintended effects. The client wants zero disruption, so even passive techniques are not suitable.
Distractor review
Include a clause that the tester will not attempt to exploit any vulnerabilities on the database server.
This still allows scanning and enumeration, which can cause load or detection. Exploitation is only one type of activity that could disrupt service.
Best answer
Define the database server as an out-of-scope target.
By explicitly listing the database server as out-of-scope, no testing of any kind will be performed against it, eliminating any risk of disruption.
Distractor review
Require that all testing activities be performed during off-peak hours only.
Working during off-peak hours reduces impact but does not guarantee that the database server will not be affected. Disruption could still occur regardless of the time.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Define the database server as an out-of-scope target. — The best approach to prevent disruption to a specific asset is to explicitly define it as out-of-scope. This ensures that no testing activities are performed against it. While passive reconnaissance might seem safe, it is still part of testing and might be prohibited. Restricting the schedule does not eliminate the risk of disruption. Out-of-scope designation is the clearest way to protect the asset.
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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