- A
Perform an LDAP query using ADSI to enumerate domain controllers
LDAP queries are common and legitimate domain activity, making them stealthy for internal reconnaissance.
- B
Attempt a DNS zone transfer from the internal DNS server
Why wrong: Zone transfers are typically restricted to authorized only servers and are often logged and monitored, increasing detection risk.
- C
Perform an ARP scan of the subnet to identify active IP addresses
Why wrong: ARP scanning is an active technique that can be detected by network intrusion detection systems and is more noisy.
- D
Use Nmap to perform a SYN scan of the entire subnet looking for Kerberos service ports
Why wrong: SYN scanning is an active network scan that is highly detectable and likely to trigger alerts on security devices.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is to perform an LDAP query using ADSI to enumerate domain controllers because this technique leverages standard, authenticated Windows API calls that blend seamlessly into normal domain traffic, avoiding the signature-based detection that would flag raw network scans or DNS queries. By querying the directory service for the 'domainController' object class, the tester retrieves DNS hostnames and IP addresses without generating suspicious anomalies. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this tests your understanding of stealthy reconnaissance within Active Directory environments, often contrasting LDAP enumeration against noisy methods like Nmap or nslookup. A common trap is assuming that only unauthenticated scans raise alerts, but even authenticated tools like PowerView can trigger EDR if used aggressively. Remember the mnemonic: **L**DAP **A**DSI **D**omain **C**ontrollers—LAD-C, as in "ladder" to climb silently.
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. 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.
A penetration tester has compromised a Windows domain-joined workstation and needs to identify all domain controllers and their IP addresses without triggering detection mechanisms. Which technique is most likely to avoid raising alerts?
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
Perform an LDAP query using ADSI to enumerate domain controllers
Performing an LDAP query using ADSI to enumerate domain controllers is stealthy because it uses standard, authenticated Windows API calls that blend into normal domain traffic. This technique queries the directory service for the 'domainController' object class, which returns the DNS hostnames and IP addresses without generating suspicious network scans or DNS anomalies.
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.
- ✓
Perform an LDAP query using ADSI to enumerate domain controllers
Why this is correct
LDAP queries are common and legitimate domain activity, making them stealthy for internal reconnaissance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Attempt a DNS zone transfer from the internal DNS server
Why it's wrong here
Zone transfers are typically restricted to authorized only servers and are often logged and monitored, increasing detection risk.
- ✗
Perform an ARP scan of the subnet to identify active IP addresses
Why it's wrong here
ARP scanning is an active technique that can be detected by network intrusion detection systems and is more noisy.
- ✗
Use Nmap to perform a SYN scan of the entire subnet looking for Kerberos service ports
Why it's wrong here
SYN scanning is an active network scan that is highly detectable and likely to trigger alerts on security devices.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume DNS zone transfers are the standard way to enumerate domain controllers, but they fail to recognize that zone transfers are typically restricted and logged, whereas LDAP queries are routine and less likely to trigger alerts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, ADSI (Active Directory Service Interfaces) uses LDAP over TCP port 389 (or 636 for LDAPS) to query the configuration partition (CN=Configuration,DC=domain,DC=com) for the 'servers' container under 'CN=Sites'. The query filters on '(&(objectClass=server)(objectCategory=CN=Computer,CN=Schema,CN=Configuration,...))' to retrieve domain controller objects, including their 'dNSHostName' and 'operatingSystem' attributes. In a real-world engagement, this technique is preferred because it mimics legitimate domain-joined client behavior, such as Group Policy processing or logon scripts, which frequently query for DC information.
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — study guide chapter
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform an LDAP query using ADSI to enumerate domain controllers — Performing an LDAP query using ADSI to enumerate domain controllers is stealthy because it uses standard, authenticated Windows API calls that blend into normal domain traffic. This technique queries the directory service for the 'domainController' object class, which returns the DNS hostnames and IP addresses without generating suspicious network scans or DNS anomalies.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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