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 penetration test, a tester finds a custom binary that is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow. The binary has DEP enabled but no ASLR. Which of the following exploitation techniques would be MOST effective to achieve code execution?
Why wrong: While ROP can bypass DEP, it is a broader technique. The more specific and straightforward method here is ret2libc, which also bypasses DEP and is simpler given no ASLR.
B
Heap spraying to inject shellcode
Why wrong: Heap spraying is used to bypass ASLR by filling the heap with shellcode; it does not bypass DEP.
C
ret2libc to call system() with a controlled argument
ret2libc leverages existing libc functions (like system) at fixed addresses (since no ASLR) to execute commands, bypassing DEP.
D
Stack pivoting to redirect execution to a known location
Why wrong: Stack pivoting is useful when you control the stack pointer but does not directly bypass DEP.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ret2libc to call system() with a controlled argument
Option C is correct because ret2libc allows the tester to call the system() function from libc with a controlled argument (e.g., "/bin/sh") to spawn a shell, bypassing DEP (which prevents code execution on the stack) without needing to execute shellcode. Since ASLR is disabled, the address of system() and the string "/bin/sh" in libc are predictable, making this technique reliable and effective.
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.
✗
Return-oriented programming (ROP) to bypass DEP
Why it's wrong here
While ROP can bypass DEP, it is a broader technique. The more specific and straightforward method here is ret2libc, which also bypasses DEP and is simpler given no ASLR.
✗
Heap spraying to inject shellcode
Why it's wrong here
Heap spraying is used to bypass ASLR by filling the heap with shellcode; it does not bypass DEP.
✓
ret2libc to call system() with a controlled argument
Why this is correct
ret2libc leverages existing libc functions (like system) at fixed addresses (since no ASLR) to execute commands, bypassing DEP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Stack pivoting to redirect execution to a known location
Why it's wrong here
Stack pivoting is useful when you control the stack pointer but does not directly bypass DEP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose ROP (Option A) thinking it is always required to bypass DEP, but ret2libc is a simpler and more effective technique when ASLR is disabled, as it directly calls a libc function without needing to chain gadgets.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ret2libc works by overwriting the return address with the address of system() and placing the address of a string like "/bin/sh" (or a pointer to it) as the argument on the stack, following the calling convention (e.g., x86 cdecl passes arguments on the stack). Without ASLR, libc base addresses are static across runs, so the tester can hardcode addresses from the target's libc version, making exploitation reliable even with DEP enabled. In real-world scenarios, this technique is often used against embedded devices or legacy systems where ASLR is not implemented.
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 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.
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: ret2libc to call system() with a controlled argument — Option C is correct because ret2libc allows the tester to call the system() function from libc with a controlled argument (e.g., "/bin/sh") to spawn a shell, bypassing DEP (which prevents code execution on the stack) without needing to execute shellcode. Since ASLR is disabled, the address of system() and the string "/bin/sh" in libc are predictable, making this technique reliable and effective.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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