- A
Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
Correct: SSRF allows accessing internal resources.
- B
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why wrong: XSS runs in the browser, not server-side internal access.
- C
SQL injection (SQLi)
Why wrong: SQLi targets the database, not internal network access.
- D
Command injection
Why wrong: Command injection executes OS commands, not typically for internal service access.
- E
XML external entity (XXE) injection
Correct: XXE can be used for SSRF to internal services.
Question 697 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 web application penetration test, a tester wants to identify vulnerabilities that allow unauthorized access to internal resources. Which TWO of the following are commonly exploited to access internal services?
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
✓
Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
SSRF can be used to access internal services by making the server request internal IPs. XXE can also be used for SSRF by using external entities to make HTTP requests. XSS is client-side, SQLi is database, command injection is OS commands.
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.
- ✓
Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
Why this is correct
Correct: SSRF allows accessing internal resources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS runs in the browser, not server-side internal access.
- ✗
SQL injection (SQLi)
Why it's wrong here
SQLi targets the database, not internal network access.
- ✗
Command injection
Why it's wrong here
Command injection executes OS commands, not typically for internal service access.
- ✓
XML external entity (XXE) injection
Why this is correct
Correct: XXE can be used for SSRF to internal services.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Command injection executes OS commands, not typically for internal service access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Server-side request forgery (SSRF) — SSRF can be used to access internal services by making the server request internal IPs. XXE can also be used for SSRF by using external entities to make HTTP requests. XSS is client-side, SQLi is database, command injection is OS commands.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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