- A
Query certificate transparency logs via crt.sh for the domain
Correct. Certificate logs can expose the real server IP.
- B
Perform a DNS zone transfer against the target's domain
Why wrong: Zone transfers are rarely allowed and may not reveal the origin IP if the DNS is behind a CDN.
- C
Run a full TCP port scan against the domain with Nmap
Why wrong: Nmap would scan the CDN IPs, not the origin.
- D
Use Shodan to search for the domain's SSL certificate hash
Why wrong: Shodan may show CDN IPs, not necessarily the origin.
Question 492 of 1,000
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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, the tester discovers that the target web application uses a content delivery network (CDN) that hides the origin server's IP address. Which technique would BEST help identify the true IP address of the backend server?
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
✓
Query certificate transparency logs via crt.sh for the domain
Certificate transparency logs, such as those queried via crt.sh, record SSL/TLS certificates issued for a domain. These certificates often include the origin server's IP address in the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) or other extensions, or they may reveal additional subdomains that point directly to the backend server, bypassing the CDN. This technique is effective because CDNs typically terminate SSL at the edge, but the certificate may still contain the true backend IP in historical or misconfigured entries.
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.
- ✓
Query certificate transparency logs via crt.sh for the domain
Why this is correct
Correct. Certificate logs can expose the real server IP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Perform a DNS zone transfer against the target's domain
Why it's wrong here
Zone transfers are rarely allowed and may not reveal the origin IP if the DNS is behind a CDN.
- ✗
Run a full TCP port scan against the domain with Nmap
Why it's wrong here
Nmap would scan the CDN IPs, not the origin.
- ✗
Use Shodan to search for the domain's SSL certificate hash
Why it's wrong here
Shodan may show CDN IPs, not necessarily the origin.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume Shodan or Nmap scans directly reveal the origin IP, but they fail to recognize that CDNs mask the backend by terminating traffic at the edge, making certificate transparency logs the only reliable passive method to uncover the true server address.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shodan may show CDN IPs, not necessarily the origin.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Certificate transparency logs are append-only ledgers of issued certificates, mandated by the CA/Browser Forum. When a certificate is issued, it is submitted to multiple logs; querying these logs (e.g., via crt.sh or Google's Certificate Transparency API) can reveal historical certificates that may have included the origin IP in the Common Name or SAN before the CDN was fully configured. In real-world scenarios, misconfigured certificates or legacy subdomains (e.g., 'admin.internal.example.com') can expose the backend IP even when the main domain is CDN-protected.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — This question tests Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Query certificate transparency logs via crt.sh for the domain — Certificate transparency logs, such as those queried via crt.sh, record SSL/TLS certificates issued for a domain. These certificates often include the origin server's IP address in the Subject Alternative Name (SAN) or other extensions, or they may reveal additional subdomains that point directly to the backend server, bypassing the CDN. This technique is effective because CDNs typically terminate SSL at the edge, but the certificate may still contain the true backend IP in historical or misconfigured entries.
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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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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