During the scoping phase of a penetration test, a client wants to test a third-party API that is integral to their web application. However, they do not have permission from the third-party provider. Which of the following should the tester do first?
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.
Distractor review
Proceed with testing the API but restrict the test to read-only operations
Even read-only testing could violate the third party's terms of service or applicable laws. Without explicit permission, testing is not allowed.
Best answer
Exclude the third-party API from the scope and document the limitation
This is the correct approach. The scope should clearly state what is in and out of bounds. The client can then seek permission separately if desired.
Distractor review
Contact the third-party provider directly to obtain permission
It is not the tester's role to contact the third party. The client should manage that relationship and obtain written authorization.
Distractor review
Include the API in the scope and note the legal risks in the report
Including it without permission creates legal exposure for both the tester and the client. The risk cannot be mitigated by merely noting it in the report.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Exclude the third-party API from the scope and document the limitation — Penetration testing must be conducted within legal and contractual boundaries. If the client does not have permission to test the third-party API, the tester should exclude it from the scope to avoid potential legal issues. The limitation should be clearly documented in the rules of engagement or scope definition. Contacting the third party is the client's responsibility, not the tester's.
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.
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