The answer is data exfiltration and modification. This is correct because the IAM policy grants both `s3:PutObject` and `s3:GetObject` actions on the `arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*` resource to a public user, meaning any unauthenticated user can download sensitive objects for exfiltration and overwrite existing data to corrupt or alter it. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your ability to spot an AWS IAM policy misconfiguration that enables data exfiltration—a common trap is assuming read-only access is safe, but write access combined with read access creates a direct path for both theft and sabotage. A useful memory tip: if a policy allows both GET and PUT on the same bucket, think “grab and swap”—the attacker can grab data and swap it with malicious content.
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A penetration tester discovers this IAM policy attached to a public user role. Which attack is most likely to succeed?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Data exfiltration and modification
The IAM policy grants `s3:PutObject` and `s3:GetObject` actions on the `arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*` resource, allowing a public user to both upload and download objects. This directly enables data exfiltration (via GetObject) and modification (via PutObject overwriting existing objects). The policy does not restrict object listing or require encryption, making D the most likely successful attack.
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.
✗
Bucket ACL misconfiguration leading to public listing
Why it's wrong here
The policy does not grant listing; it only allows Get and Put.
✗
Privilege escalation to admin
Why it's wrong here
This policy does not grant IAM or admin permissions.
✗
Resource exhaustion through large object uploads
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the more direct impact is data compromise.
✓
Data exfiltration and modification
Why this is correct
GetObject allows reading (exfiltration) and PutObject allows writing (modification) to the bucket.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between bucket-level actions (like ListBucket) and object-level actions (like GetObject/PutObject), trapping candidates who assume that without ListBucket, data cannot be exfiltrated—but attackers can guess object keys or use other enumeration methods.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, AWS S3 `GetObject` and `PutObject` actions operate at the object level, bypassing bucket-level restrictions if the bucket policy allows. In a real-world scenario, an attacker could use the AWS CLI or SDK to download all objects with a script (e.g., `aws s3 cp s3://example-bucket/ . --recursive`) and upload malicious versions, potentially injecting malware or altering critical data. The policy lacks `s3:PutObjectAcl` or `s3:GetObjectVersion`, but the core read/write access is sufficient for data theft and tampering.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
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: Data exfiltration and modification — The IAM policy grants `s3:PutObject` and `s3:GetObject` actions on the `arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*` resource, allowing a public user to both upload and download objects. This directly enables data exfiltration (via GetObject) and modification (via PutObject overwriting existing objects). The policy does not restrict object listing or require encryption, making D the most likely successful attack.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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