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A penetration tester is using a vulnerability scanner to assess a web application. The scanner reports a 'SQL Injection' finding with a high confidence level. However, manual verification of the same payload does not trigger the vulnerability in a browser. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this discrepancy?

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A penetration tester is using a vulnerability scanner to assess a web application. The scanner reports a 'SQL Injection' finding with a high confidence level. However, manual verification of the same payload does not trigger the vulnerability in a browser. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this discrepancy?

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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

Distractor review

The scanner used a different HTTP method than the one used in manual testing

While HTTP method can affect behavior, the scenario indicates the same payload was used; the scanner typically tests common methods. This is not the most likely cause.

B

Distractor review

The scanner's payloads were URL-encoded differently

If the same payload was used in manual testing, encoding should be consistent. Even if encoded differently, modern browsers and tools automatically handle encoding.

C

Distractor review

The vulnerability exists only in the scanner's simulated environment

Scanners test the live application, not a simulated environment. This answer is incorrect.

D

Best answer

The scanner might have generated a false positive due to a misinterpretation of the server's response

False positives are common in automated scanners. The scanner may have incorrectly flagged a response as vulnerable when manual testing proves otherwise.

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

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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?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The scanner might have generated a false positive due to a misinterpretation of the server's response — Vulnerability scanners can produce false positives when they misinterpret server responses. For example, a scanner might consider a generic error message as an indication of SQL injection even though the application safely handles the input. Manual testing provides ground truth and should be used to validate scanner findings.

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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