Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
During an internal penetration test, a tester gains a shell as the 'www-data' user on a Linux server. The server runs a PHP web application that connects to a PostgreSQL database using credentials stored in a config file. The tester discovers that the PostgreSQL server trusts all local connections (no password required) and that the web application's database user has the 'CREATEFUNC' privilege. Which technique is most effective for escalating privileges to database administrator (superuser) and executing system commands as the database service account?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Use the stored credentials to log in as the web application user and run SELECT * FROM pg_shadow; to extract password hashes of other users.
While password hashes may be extracted, this does not immediately provide superuser privileges or command execution.
B
Best answer
Create a PostgreSQL function using a trusted language like Python or Perl that executes arbitrary system commands, then run it.
This technique leverages CREATEFUNC to run shell commands as the database service account, enabling privilege escalation.
C
Distractor review
Exploit a kernel vulnerability to gain root access and then dump the database files.
Kernel exploits are possible but less direct and riskier; the PostgreSQL functional method is more reliable given the privileges.
D
Distractor review
Use the 'sudo' command to switch to the postgres user if the www-data user has sudo privileges.
The scenario does not indicate that www-data has sudo privileges, and this is not a reliable escalation path.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Related practice questions
Related PT0-002 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary for a report. The client's CEO needs to understand the business impact of a critical SQL injection vulnerability. Which of the following should the tester include?
Question 2
A penetration tester has gained a low-privileged shell on a Linux server. During enumeration, the tester discovers a binary with the SUID bit set that belongs to root and is known to have a buffer overflow vulnerability. What is the MOST effective next step to escalate privileges?
Question 3
A penetration tester is performing passive reconnaissance against a target domain. Which of the following resources can be used to gather information about the target without directly sending packets to the target's network? (Select two.) (Choose 2.)
Question 4
A penetration tester has obtained a TGT from a domain controller by cracking the krbtgt hash. Which attack can the tester now perform to gain persistent administrative access to any resource in the domain?
Question 5
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary for the final report. The CEO needs to understand the overall risk level and the business impact of the findings. Which of the following should be included in the executive summary?
Question 6
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary of a penetration test report. Which of the following elements is MOST important to include for a non-technical audience?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a PostgreSQL function using a trusted language like Python or Perl that executes arbitrary system commands, then run it. — With the CREATEFUNC privilege, a database user can create functions using untrusted languages like pl/pythonu. This allows execution of arbitrary shell commands as the operating system user running the PostgreSQL service (typically 'postgres'). This method provides a direct path to superuser-level access and system command execution without needing kernel exploits or additional credentials.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
Discussion
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