Quick Answer
The correct answer is to perform a pass-the-hash attack and abuse service permissions. Both techniques achieve privilege escalation without buffer overflow because they exploit authentication weaknesses or misconfigured access controls rather than corrupting memory. Pass-the-hash reuses captured NTLM hashes to authenticate as another user, while abusing service permissions leverages insecure service configurations to execute code with elevated rights—neither involves stack or heap manipulation. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between memory corruption exploits and logical or credential-based escalation methods. A common trap is confusing pass-the-hash with a buffer overflow, but remember that hash reuse is a lateral movement technique, not a memory exploit. For a quick memory tip: if it doesn’t overwrite memory, it’s not a buffer overflow—think “hashes and services, not crashes and overflows.”
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An internal test prohibits buffer overflow exploits. Which TWO techniques are appropriate to test privilege escalation without violating the rule? (Choose two.)
Use a kernel exploit that involves a heap overflow
Why wrong: Heap overflow is prohibited.
Exploit EternalBlue (MS17-010)
Why wrong: Buffer overflow exploit.
Abuse misconfigured service permissions to run as SYSTEM
Configuration issue, no exploit.
Use Metasploit's meterpreter to run getsystem
Why wrong: May use exploits that cause buffer overflows.
Perform a pass-the-hash attack
Credential reuse, no memory corruption.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Abuse misconfigured service permissions to run as SYSTEM
Options C and E are correct because pass-the-hash and abusing service permissions do not involve memory corruption. Option A may use exploits, option B is a buffer overflow, option D is a heap overflow.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use a kernel exploit that involves a heap overflow
Why it's wrong here
Heap overflow is prohibited.
Exploit EternalBlue (MS17-010)
Why it's wrong here
Buffer overflow exploit.
Abuse misconfigured service permissions to run as SYSTEM
Why this is correct
Configuration issue, no exploit.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Use Metasploit's meterpreter to run getsystem
Why it's wrong here
May use exploits that cause buffer overflows.
Perform a pass-the-hash attack
Why this is correct
Credential reuse, no memory corruption.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Planning and Scoping — study guide chapter
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Planning and Scoping practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PT0-002 questions
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CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 study guide
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PT0-002 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
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FAQ
Planning and Scoping — This question tests Planning and Scoping — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Abuse misconfigured service permissions to run as SYSTEM — Options C and E are correct because pass-the-hash and abusing service permissions do not involve memory corruption. Option A may use exploits, option B is a buffer overflow, option D is a heap overflow.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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