The answer is sending data over HTTPS to an external server, as this technique exploits the firewall’s typical allowance of outbound TCP port 443 traffic. Because HTTPS encrypts the payload, the data exfiltration through firewall using HTTPS bypasses common deep packet inspection controls, making it the most reliable method when only basic port-based rules are in place. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how attackers leverage trusted protocols to evade detection—a common trap is assuming all encrypted traffic is inspected, but many organizations fail to decrypt and inspect outbound HTTPS. Remember that firewalls often permit HTTPS by default for web access, so an attacker can tunnel stolen data inside legitimate-looking encrypted sessions. A useful memory tip: “Port 443 is your friend for exfil—encryption hides the sin.”
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
```
firewall rules:
- direction: inbound
source: 10.0.0.0/8
destination: 192.168.1.100
port: 3389
action: allow
- direction: inbound
source: any
destination: 192.168.1.0/24
port: 80
action: allow
- direction: outbound
source: any
destination: any
port: 443
action: allow
- direction: outbound
source: any
destination: 10.0.0.0/8
port: 53
action: allow
```
Refer to the exhibit. The firewall rules shown are in effect. A tester has compromised a host at 192.168.1.100 and wants to exfiltrate data to an external server. Which technique will most likely 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
✓
Send data over HTTPS to an external server
Option B is correct because HTTPS (TCP/443) is typically allowed through firewalls for web traffic, and the encrypted payload can bypass deep packet inspection. The compromised host at 192.168.1.100 can initiate an outbound HTTPS connection to an external server, making data exfiltration over HTTPS the most likely to succeed given the firewall rules.
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.
✗
Use DNS tunneling to an external DNS server
Why it's wrong here
Outbound DNS is only allowed to 10.0.0.0/8, so external DNS queries are blocked.
✓
Send data over HTTPS to an external server
Why this is correct
Outbound HTTPS to any destination is allowed, making this the best choice.
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.
✗
Exfiltrate via HTTP to an external server
Why it's wrong here
Outbound HTTP (port 80) is not explicitly allowed by the rules.
✗
Initiate an RDP connection to the external server
Why it's wrong here
Inbound RDP is allowed only from 10.0.0.0/8, not from the compromised host to external.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume DNS tunneling is stealthy because it uses a common protocol, but they overlook that firewalls often allow HTTPS by default while DNS traffic is more closely monitored for anomalies.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
HTTPS uses TLS over TCP/443, which provides encryption that hides the payload from firewall inspection, and many organizations allow outbound HTTPS by default for web access. In contrast, DNS tunneling encodes data in DNS queries, which can be detected by analyzing query entropy or volume, and RDP is often blocked due to security risks. A real-world scenario involves using tools like `curl` or `netcat` over HTTPS to exfiltrate data to a cloud server, leveraging trusted ports.
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.
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: Send data over HTTPS to an external server — Option B is correct because HTTPS (TCP/443) is typically allowed through firewalls for web traffic, and the encrypted payload can bypass deep packet inspection. The compromised host at 192.168.1.100 can initiate an outbound HTTPS connection to an external server, making data exfiltration over HTTPS the most likely to succeed given the firewall rules.
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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