- A
Change the root password to a known value
Also a common persistence method.
- B
Install a web shell in the web root directory
Provides remote command execution via HTTP.
- C
Disable SELinux
Why wrong: While it may be done, it is not a typical persistence action.
- D
Create a new user account with root privileges
Provides backdoor access.
- E
Add an SSH public key to the root authorized_keys file
Allows passwordless SSH access.
Question 988 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 tester has compromised a Linux server and wants to maintain persistence. Which three actions would be typical for post-exploitation? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Change the root password to a known value
Changing the root password to a known value ensures the tester can regain root access even if the original password is changed or the session is lost. This is a common persistence technique because it directly controls authentication credentials for the most privileged account on the system.
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.
- ✓
Change the root password to a known value
Why this is correct
Also a common persistence method.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Install a web shell in the web root directory
Why this is correct
Provides remote command execution via HTTP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disable SELinux
Why it's wrong here
While it may be done, it is not a typical persistence action.
- ✓
Create a new user account with root privileges
Why this is correct
Provides backdoor access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Add an SSH public key to the root authorized_keys file
Why this is correct
Allows passwordless SSH access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between persistence (maintaining access) and defense evasion (hiding or disabling security controls), so candidates mistakenly select disabling SELinux as a persistence action when it is actually a technique to avoid detection or enforcement of policies.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Persistence in post-exploitation relies on modifying system authentication or service configurations. For example, adding an SSH public key to /root/.ssh/authorized_keys leverages the SSH protocol's public-key authentication (RFC 4252) to allow passwordless login. Similarly, creating a user with UID 0 (root) in /etc/passwd bypasses standard user management and grants full privileges. These methods are often combined to ensure redundancy if one backdoor is discovered.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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: Change the root password to a known value — Changing the root password to a known value ensures the tester can regain root access even if the original password is changed or the session is lost. This is a common persistence technique because it directly controls authentication credentials for the most privileged account on the system.
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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