- A
Cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.
Why wrong: XSS attacks typically involve injecting script content to be executed in the browser, not using sleep to measure response times.
- B
Blind time-based SQL injection.
Correct. The script uses a sleep function to cause a delay if the injection is successful, then compares response times to detect the vulnerability.
- C
Command injection attack.
Why wrong: Command injection would aim to execute system commands, not necessarily rely on sleep to check for vulnerability. The sleep function could be used, but the presence of SQL sleep is more indicative of SQL injection.
- D
Error-based SQL injection.
Why wrong: Error-based SQL injection relies on database error messages in the response, not on timing delays. The script does not parse error messages, only timing.
Quick Answer
The answer is a blind time-based SQL injection attack. This is correct because the script sends a crafted parameter containing a SQL SLEEP() function—such as `' OR SLEEP(5)--`—and then measures the HTTP response time from the target server. If the database executes the sleep command, the response is delayed by the specified number of seconds, confirming the vulnerability without needing any visible error or data output, which is the defining characteristic of a blind time-based SQL injection using Python requests. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between in-band, error-based, and blind SQLi techniques; a common trap is confusing it with a union-based attack, which requires visible output. Remember the key clue: if the script is timing delays rather than parsing database content, it is blind time-based. A useful memory tip is "SLEEP means blind and deep"—the delay confirms the hole without showing the data.
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. A key principle to apply: blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays.. 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 penetration tester is analyzing a Python script that uses the 'requests' library. The script sends a GET request to a target URL with a crafted parameter value containing a SQL sleep function, then measures the response time. What attack is the script most likely performing?
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 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
Blind time-based SQL injection.
The script sends a crafted parameter containing a SQL sleep function (e.g., `' OR SLEEP(5)--`) and measures the response time. If the database executes the sleep, the response is delayed, confirming a SQL injection vulnerability without relying on visible output. This is the hallmark of a blind time-based SQL injection attack using the `requests` library to time the HTTP response.
Key principle: Blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.
Why it's wrong here
XSS attacks typically involve injecting script content to be executed in the browser, not using sleep to measure response times.
- ✓
Blind time-based SQL injection.
Why this is correct
Correct. The script uses a sleep function to cause a delay if the injection is successful, then compares response times to detect the vulnerability.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays.
- ✗
Command injection attack.
Why it's wrong here
Command injection would aim to execute system commands, not necessarily rely on sleep to check for vulnerability. The sleep function could be used, but the presence of SQL sleep is more indicative of SQL injection.
- ✗
Error-based SQL injection.
Why it's wrong here
Error-based SQL injection relies on database error messages in the response, not on timing delays. The script does not parse error messages, only timing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see 'sleep function' and assume it is a command injection payload, but the `SLEEP()` function is a SQL-specific function, not an OS command, and the context of the `requests` library sending a GET request with a crafted parameter points directly to SQL injection, not command injection.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Command injection would aim to execute system commands, not necessarily rely on sleep to check for vulnerability. The sleep function could be used, but the presence of SQL sleep is more indicative of SQL injection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Blind time-based SQL injection exploits conditional SQL constructs like `IF(condition, SLEEP(n), 0)` to infer database information bit by bit based on response delays. The `requests` library's `timeout` parameter is often set to a high value to avoid premature disconnection, and the attacker compares response times against a baseline to detect the sleep. In real-world scenarios, this technique is used when error messages are suppressed and no data is reflected in the response.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays.
- SQL sleep functions (e.g., SLEEP(), pg_sleep()) are used to introduce delays.
- Attackers measure response times to detect successful injection.
- This method is used when direct output or error messages are suppressed.
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
Blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays., then practise related PT0-002 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
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
509 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.
Planning and Scoping practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Planning and Scoping.
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning.
Attacks and Exploits practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Attacks and Exploits.
Reporting and Communication practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Reporting and Communication.
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 — Blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Blind time-based SQL injection. — The script sends a crafted parameter containing a SQL sleep function (e.g., `' OR SLEEP(5)--`) and measures the response time. If the database executes the sleep, the response is delayed, confirming a SQL injection vulnerability without relying on visible output. This is the hallmark of a blind time-based SQL injection attack using the `requests` library to time the HTTP response.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays., then practise related PT0-002 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
Blind time-based SQL injection infers vulnerability from response delays.
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: Jun 11, 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.