The correct answer is that the server is running a service that mimics RDP using xrdp. This is because xrdp is an open-source implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol that allows Linux systems to accept RDP connections on port 3389, the same port Windows uses for native RDP. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to recognize that Linux can host RDP-like services, not just Windows, and to avoid jumping to conclusions about virtual machines or misconfigurations. A common trap is assuming port 3389 always means a Windows target, but xrdp is a legitimate Linux service that penetration testers must identify correctly. Memory tip: think “xrdp = Linux’s RDP on the same port.”
PT0-002 Planning and Scoping Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. 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.
Exhibit
Active Connections
Proto Local Address Foreign Address State
TCP 10.0.0.15:22 192.168.1.100:54321 ESTABLISHED
TCP 10.0.0.15:80 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 10.0.0.15:443 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 10.0.0.15:3389 203.0.113.50:12345 ESTABLISHED
UDP 10.0.0.15:123 *:*
Refer to the exhibit. A penetration tester obtains this output from a Linux server. The tester notes that port 3389 is typically used for RDP on Windows. Which of the following is the MOST likely explanation?
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.
Active Connections
Proto Local Address Foreign Address State
TCP 10.0.0.15:22 192.168.1.100:54321 ESTABLISHED
TCP 10.0.0.15:80 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 10.0.0.15:443 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 10.0.0.15:3389 203.0.113.50:12345 ESTABLISHED
UDP 10.0.0.15:123 *:*
A
The server has been compromised and is used as a jump box
Why wrong: Possible but not most likely.
B
The server is running a honeypot mimicking RDP
Why wrong: Uncommon.
C
The server is running a Windows virtual machine using RDP
Why wrong: Possible but no evidence of VM.
D
The server is running a service that mimics RDP using xrdp
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The server is running a service that mimics RDP using xrdp
Option D is correct because Linux can host RDP using xrdp. Option A is possible but less likely without evidence of a VM. Option B is plausible but not most likely. Option C is uncommon.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The server has been compromised and is used as a jump box
Why it's wrong here
Possible but not most likely.
✗
The server is running a honeypot mimicking RDP
Why it's wrong here
Uncommon.
✗
The server is running a Windows virtual machine using RDP
The server is running a service that mimics RDP using xrdp
Why this is correct
xrdp is common on Linux.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PT0-002 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Planning and Scoping — This question tests Planning and Scoping — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The server is running a service that mimics RDP using xrdp — Option D is correct because Linux can host RDP using xrdp. Option A is possible but less likely without evidence of a VM. Option B is plausible but not most likely. Option C is uncommon.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PT0-002 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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