The answer is `nmap -sV -p-` because this combination efficiently scans all 65535 TCP ports while enabling version detection to identify web server software, even on non-standard ports. The `-p-` flag ensures no port is missed, which is critical when web servers might be listening on high-numbered or obscure ports, while `-sV` probes open ports to fingerprint services like Apache, Nginx, or IIS. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to balance thoroughness with efficiency—common traps include using `-sT` (TCP connect scan) without version detection or adding `-O` (OS detection), which adds unnecessary overhead. Remember the memory tip: “Version on all ports” or simply “V for vendor, p- for every port.”
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. 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 wants to identify hosts on a network that are running web servers on any TCP port, including non-standard ports. Which Nmap command is most efficient for this task?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
nmap -sV -p- target
Option A is correct because `-sV` enables version detection to identify web server software, and `-p-` scans all 65535 TCP ports, including non-standard ones. This combination efficiently discovers web servers on any port without unnecessary overhead like OS detection or default script scanning.
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.
✓
nmap -sV -p- target
Why this is correct
This scans all TCP ports and performs service detection, making it possible to identify web servers running on any port.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
nmap -sC -p 80,443 target
Why it's wrong here
This only scans ports 80 and 443 with default scripts, missing web servers on non-standard ports.
✗
nmap -O -p- target
Why it's wrong here
OS detection (-O) does not identify services; it determines the operating system, which is not the goal here.
✗
nmap -sT -p 8000,8080 target
Why it's wrong here
This only scans two common alternative ports, missing many other possibilities and using a full TCP connect scan which is slower.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose `-sC` (default scripts) thinking it checks for web servers, but it only runs on the specified ports and doesn't detect services on non-standard ports.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Nmap's `-sV` uses a probe-based approach to match service fingerprints against a database, identifying HTTP even on non-standard ports like 8080 or 8443. The `-p-` scan sends SYN packets to all 65535 ports, which can be time-consuming but is necessary for thorough discovery; combining it with `--min-rate` can speed up the scan in real-world engagements.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — This question tests Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: nmap -sV -p- target — Option A is correct because `-sV` enables version detection to identify web server software, and `-p-` scans all 65535 TCP ports, including non-standard ones. This combination efficiently discovers web servers on any port without unnecessary overhead like OS detection or default script scanning.
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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Question Discussion
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