- A
To exploit a remote service directly
Why wrong: The multi/handler does not exploit; it listens for incoming connections.
- B
To receive a reverse shell from a target that already executed the payload
Correct: The handler listens for the reverse connection.
- C
To perform a bind shell attack
Why wrong: Bind shell would have PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/bind_tcp and connect to target.
- D
To stage a payload for later execution
Why wrong: Staging is different; this is a handler.
Question 438 of 1,000
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 runs the following Metasploit commands: ``` msf6 > use exploit/multi/handler msf6 exploit(multi/handler) > set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp msf6 exploit(multi/handler) > set LHOST 10.0.0.5 msf6 exploit(multi/handler) > set LPORT 4444 msf6 exploit(multi/handler) > run ``` What is the purpose of this configuration?
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
✓
To receive a reverse shell from a target that already executed the payload
The multi/handler is a generic handler used to receive reverse connections from payloads that were delivered separately (e.g., via phishing). It waits for the target to connect back.
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.
- ✗
To exploit a remote service directly
Why it's wrong here
The multi/handler does not exploit; it listens for incoming connections.
- ✓
To receive a reverse shell from a target that already executed the payload
Why this is correct
Correct: The handler listens for the reverse connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
To perform a bind shell attack
Why it's wrong here
Bind shell would have PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/bind_tcp and connect to target.
- ✗
To stage a payload for later execution
Why it's wrong here
Staging is different; this is a handler.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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
An employee at a financial services firm receives an email that appears to come from the IT helpdesk, asking them to reset their password via a link. The link leads to a convincing fake portal that harvests credentials. Security teams use phishing simulations and security-awareness training to reduce this attack vector. Questions like this test whether you can identify social engineering techniques and appropriate controls.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Attacks and Exploits — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To receive a reverse shell from a target that already executed the payload — The multi/handler is a generic handler used to receive reverse connections from payloads that were delivered separately (e.g., via phishing). It waits for the target to connect back.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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