Quick Answer
The correct answer is to include SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and broken authentication in scope for a web application penetration test aligned with the OWASP Top 10. These three categories represent consistently high-risk, frequently exploited vulnerabilities that have remained core to the OWASP rankings across multiple updates, making them mandatory for any thorough web app assessment. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between web-specific flaws and broader security concerns—a common trap is confusing broken access control (a separate OWASP category) with broken authentication, or mistaking a non-web vulnerability like insecure deserialization for a Top 10 staple. Remember that SQL injection, XSS, and broken authentication are the "golden trio" of web app testing; if you see them listed together, they are almost always the correct choices. A quick memory tip: think "SXB"—SQL, XSS, Broken auth—as the three pillars you must always include in scope.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. 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 web application test must cover OWASP Top 10. Which THREE should be explicitly included? (Choose three.)
SQL injection testing
In OWASP Top 10.
Directory traversal testing
Why wrong: Often part of injection/access control; not always separate.
Cross-site scripting (XSS) testing
In OWASP Top 10.
Buffer overflow testing
Why wrong: More common in binary exploits.
Broken authentication testing
In OWASP Top 10.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SQL injection testing
Options A, B, and D are correct because XSS, SQL injection, and broken authentication are consistently in the OWASP Top 10. Option C is not typically a web vulnerability. Option E is sometimes considered but not always as a separate category.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SQL injection testing
Why this is correct
In OWASP Top 10.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Directory traversal testing
Why it's wrong here
Often part of injection/access control; not always separate.
Cross-site scripting (XSS) testing
Why this is correct
In OWASP Top 10.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Buffer overflow testing
Why it's wrong here
More common in binary exploits.
Broken authentication testing
Why this is correct
In OWASP Top 10.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
Planning and Scoping — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Planning and Scoping — This question tests Planning and Scoping — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: SQL injection testing — Options A, B, and D are correct because XSS, SQL injection, and broken authentication are consistently in the OWASP Top 10. Option C is not typically a web vulnerability. Option E is sometimes considered but not always as a separate category.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 23, 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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