- A
The DNS server is configured to deny zone transfers from unauthorized hosts
Most DNS servers restrict zone transfers to authorized secondaries.
- B
The DNS server is offline
Why wrong: If offline, no response would be received, but other DNS queries would fail too.
- C
The tester used the wrong tool
Why wrong: Zone transfer attempts are tool-agnostic; if allowed, any tool would work.
- D
The domain does not exist
Why wrong: If the domain didn't exist, no DNS records would be resolved.
Question 58 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. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 runs a DNS zone transfer attempt against a target domain. The zone transfer fails. What is the most likely reason?
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
✓
The DNS server is configured to deny zone transfers from unauthorized hosts
DNS zone transfers are typically restricted by default to authorized secondary DNS servers only. Misconfigured DNS servers might allow zone transfers from any host, but it's uncommon. The failure is likely due to security restrictions. The authoritative server is not necessarily offline, and the domain might not exist otherwise.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The DNS server is configured to deny zone transfers from unauthorized hosts
Why this is correct
Most DNS servers restrict zone transfers to authorized secondaries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
The DNS server is offline
Why it's wrong here
If offline, no response would be received, but other DNS queries would fail too.
- ✗
The tester used the wrong tool
Why it's wrong here
Zone transfer attempts are tool-agnostic; if allowed, any tool would work.
- ✗
The domain does not exist
Why it's wrong here
If the domain didn't exist, no DNS records would be resolved.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PT0-002 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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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 — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DNS server is configured to deny zone transfers from unauthorized hosts — DNS zone transfers are typically restricted by default to authorized secondary DNS servers only. Misconfigured DNS servers might allow zone transfers from any host, but it's uncommon. The failure is likely due to security restrictions. The authoritative server is not necessarily offline, and the domain might not exist otherwise.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PT0-002 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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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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