- A
Modify the binary's PATH environment variable
Why wrong: PATH manipulation is for sudo or cron, not SUID typically.
- B
Exploit a kernel vulnerability
Why wrong: Kernel exploit is separate from SUID.
- C
Replace the binary with a malicious one
Why wrong: You cannot replace a SUID binary without root.
- D
Use the binary to read /etc/shadow directly
Some SUID binaries can read files, enabling credential theft.
- E
Run the binary with GTFOBins-known options to spawn a shell
GTFOBins lists SUID exploits for many binaries.
Question 283 of 1,000
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.
During a Linux privilege escalation assessment, the tester finds that a binary with SUID root can execute arbitrary commands. Which TWO of the following methods are MOST likely to exploit this?
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
✓
Use the binary to read /etc/shadow directly
GTFOBins provides SUID exploitation techniques; many SUID binaries allow command execution. The other options are not directly related to SUID exploitation.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Modify the binary's PATH environment variable
Why it's wrong here
PATH manipulation is for sudo or cron, not SUID typically.
- ✗
Exploit a kernel vulnerability
Why it's wrong here
Kernel exploit is separate from SUID.
- ✗
Replace the binary with a malicious one
Why it's wrong here
You cannot replace a SUID binary without root.
- ✓
Use the binary to read /etc/shadow directly
Why this is correct
Some SUID binaries can read files, enabling credential theft.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Run the binary with GTFOBins-known options to spawn a shell
Why this is correct
GTFOBins lists SUID exploits for many binaries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 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.
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Attacks and Exploits — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the binary to read /etc/shadow directly — GTFOBins provides SUID exploitation techniques; many SUID binaries allow command execution. The other options are not directly related to SUID exploitation.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
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.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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.
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