- A
psexec.py
Why wrong: psexec.py is for remote command execution, not hash extraction.
- B
GetUserSPNs.py
Why wrong: GetUserSPNs.py is for Kerberoasting, not for dumping all hashes.
- C
wmiexec.py
Why wrong: wmiexec.py executes commands via WMI, not hash dumping.
- D
secretsdump.py
Correct: extracts password hashes from Windows systems.
Question 489 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.
After gaining initial access to a Windows domain controller, a tester wants to extract password hashes from the SAM database and domain account hashes. Which Impacket tool is designed for this purpose?
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
✓
secretsdump.py
D is correct because secretsdump.py is the Impacket tool specifically designed to extract password hashes from the SAM database and domain account hashes (NTDS.dit) on a Windows domain controller. It can perform remote dump operations using techniques like DRSUAPI replication or volume shadow copy, making it the standard choice for credential harvesting in penetration testing.
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.
- ✗
psexec.py
Why it's wrong here
psexec.py is for remote command execution, not hash extraction.
- ✗
GetUserSPNs.py
Why it's wrong here
GetUserSPNs.py is for Kerberoasting, not for dumping all hashes.
- ✗
wmiexec.py
Why it's wrong here
wmiexec.py executes commands via WMI, not hash dumping.
- ✓
secretsdump.py
Why this is correct
Correct: extracts password hashes from Windows systems.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse tools for remote execution (psexec.py, wmiexec.py) or Kerberoasting (GetUserSPNs.py) with the specific hash-dumping functionality of secretsdump.py, failing to recognize that only secretsdump.py directly extracts SAM and domain account hashes.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
psexec.py is for remote command execution, not hash extraction.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, secretsdump.py leverages the MS-DRSR (Directory Replication Service) protocol to replicate the NTDS.dit file from a domain controller, or it can read the SAM registry hive and system hive to extract local hashes. In real-world scenarios, this tool is critical for lateral movement and privilege escalation after gaining initial access, as it allows an attacker to obtain NTLM hashes for offline cracking or pass-the-hash attacks.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
- →
Tools and Code Analysis — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Tools and Code Analysis practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All PT0-002 questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
PT0-002 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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.
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning.
Planning and Scoping practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Planning and Scoping.
Reporting and Communication practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Reporting and Communication.
Attacks and Exploits practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Attacks and Exploits.
Tools and Code Analysis practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Tools and Code Analysis.
PT0-002 fundamentals practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 fundamentals.
PT0-002 scenario practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 scenario.
PT0-002 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free PT0-002 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: secretsdump.py — D is correct because secretsdump.py is the Impacket tool specifically designed to extract password hashes from the SAM database and domain account hashes (NTDS.dit) on a Windows domain controller. It can perform remote dump operations using techniques like DRSUAPI replication or volume shadow copy, making it the standard choice for credential harvesting in penetration testing.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.