hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped

A penetration tester is writing a return-oriented programming (ROP) exploit for a Linux binary to bypass Data Execution Prevention (DEP). The binary has DEP enabled, but the tester identifies a gadget in a dynamically linked library that is not affected by ASLR. Which condition must be true for the ROP chain to succeed?

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A penetration tester is writing a return-oriented programming (ROP) exploit for a Linux binary to bypass Data Execution Prevention (DEP). The binary has DEP enabled, but the tester identifies a gadget in a dynamically linked library that is not affected by ASLR. Which condition must be true for the ROP chain to succeed?

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

The library must be loaded at a fixed address

Correct. If the library does not use ASLR, its base address is predictable, allowing the ROP chain to call gadgets reliably.

B

Distractor review

The stack must be executable

If stack were executable, ROP would not be needed; DEP prevents execution on the stack.

C

Distractor review

The binary must be compiled with stack canaries

Stack canaries detect buffer overflows but do not affect ROP execution.

D

Distractor review

The exploit must bypass ASLR for the main binary

If the library is not ASLR-enabled, the gadgets' addresses are fixed regardless of the binary's ASLR status.

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: The library must be loaded at a fixed address — ROP chains rely on the ability to predict the addresses of gadgets. When a library has ASLR disabled, its base address is constant across runs (unless manually rebased). This allows the attacker to hardcode gadget addresses in the exploit, bypassing DEP even if the main binary has ASLR.

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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