- A
Injecting shellcode directly onto the stack and overwriting the return address to jump to it
Why wrong: DEP prevents execution on the stack; this technique would cause an access violation.
- B
Using a return-to-libc attack to call system() with a command string
Why wrong: While ret2libc is a valid DEP bypass, it is limited to calling functions; full code execution may require more complex ROP chains.
- C
Constructing a ROP chain using gadgets from loaded DLLs to simulate shellcode execution
ROP allows arbitrary code execution by reusing existing code segments, effectively bypassing DEP when ASLR is disabled.
- D
Enabling the execute bit on the stack via a memory corruption primitive
Why wrong: This is extremely difficult and requires a separate vulnerability to modify memory protection; it is not a standard technique.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is constructing a ROP chain using gadgets from loaded DLLs to simulate shellcode execution. This technique bypasses Data Execution Prevention (DEP) by reusing existing executable code fragments—called gadgets—found in loaded libraries, rather than injecting and executing shellcode on the non-executable stack. Since ASLR is disabled, the memory addresses of these DLLs remain predictable, allowing the tester to reliably chain gadgets together to achieve arbitrary code execution. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how DEP and ASLR interact: a common trap is assuming shellcode injection still works when only DEP is enabled, but the real key is that disabling ASLR makes ROP feasible. Remember the mnemonic “DEP blocks new code, ROP reuses old code”—if the stack can’t run your payload, make the program run itself.
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 an internal penetration test, a tester discovers a Windows server running a custom service that is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow. The binary has Data Execution Prevention (DEP) enabled but Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is disabled. Which exploitation technique would be MOST effective to achieve code execution?
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
Constructing a ROP chain using gadgets from loaded DLLs to simulate shellcode execution
With DEP enabled, the stack is marked non-executable, so injecting shellcode directly (option A) would fail. ASLR being disabled means the addresses of loaded DLLs are predictable, making it feasible to construct a ROP chain using gadgets from those DLLs to simulate shellcode execution. Option C is correct because ROP chains bypass DEP by reusing existing executable code (gadgets) without needing to execute code on the stack.
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.
- ✗
Injecting shellcode directly onto the stack and overwriting the return address to jump to it
Why it's wrong here
DEP prevents execution on the stack; this technique would cause an access violation.
- ✗
Using a return-to-libc attack to call system() with a command string
Why it's wrong here
While ret2libc is a valid DEP bypass, it is limited to calling functions; full code execution may require more complex ROP chains.
- ✓
Constructing a ROP chain using gadgets from loaded DLLs to simulate shellcode execution
Why this is correct
ROP allows arbitrary code execution by reusing existing code segments, effectively bypassing DEP when ASLR is disabled.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enabling the execute bit on the stack via a memory corruption primitive
Why it's wrong here
This is extremely difficult and requires a separate vulnerability to modify memory protection; it is not a standard technique.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume DEP can be bypassed simply by enabling execution on the stack (option D) without realizing that doing so requires a ROP chain or similar technique to call VirtualProtect, making option C the more direct and effective approach.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A ROP chain works by chaining small instruction sequences (gadgets) that end with a ret instruction, each performing a small operation (e.g., moving values into registers, calling functions). Since ASLR is disabled, the base addresses of loaded DLLs (like kernel32.dll or ntdll.dll) are fixed, allowing the attacker to reliably locate gadgets. In practice, tools like Mona.py or ROPgadget can enumerate gadgets from the binary and its loaded modules to build a chain that calls VirtualProtect to make the stack executable, then jumps to shellcode.
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.
What to study next
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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: Constructing a ROP chain using gadgets from loaded DLLs to simulate shellcode execution — With DEP enabled, the stack is marked non-executable, so injecting shellcode directly (option A) would fail. ASLR being disabled means the addresses of loaded DLLs are predictable, making it feasible to construct a ROP chain using gadgets from those DLLs to simulate shellcode execution. Option C is correct because ROP chains bypass DEP by reusing existing executable code (gadgets) without needing to execute code on the stack.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on PT0-002
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a network penetration test, the tester identifies that a web server is vulnerable to a buffer overflow. The server is running on a Windows system with DEP enabled. Which technique should the tester use to bypass DEP?
medium- A.Return-to-libc attack
- ✓ B.Return-Oriented Programming (ROP)
- C.Use a NOP sled and shellcode injection
- D.Stack pivoting
Why B: Return-Oriented Programming (ROP) is the correct technique to bypass Data Execution Prevention (DEP) on Windows. DEP marks memory pages (like the stack and heap) as non-executable, preventing direct shellcode execution. ROP chains together small instruction sequences (gadgets) already present in executable memory (e.g., in loaded DLLs) to achieve arbitrary behavior without injecting or executing new code.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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