The answer is `nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers -p 443 target`. This command is correct because the `ssl-enum-ciphers` NSE script performs a targeted, non-intrusive enumeration of all supported SSL/TLS ciphers and protocol versions, directly identifying weaknesses like weak ciphers or outdated TLS without overwhelming the server. The `-sV` flag adds version detection to confirm the service, while `-p 443` focuses the scan on the HTTPS port, making it the ideal nmap ssl cipher enumeration command for a vulnerability scan. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to select a lightweight, script-based scan over aggressive options like full port scans or brute-force scripts, which could disrupt the server. A common trap is choosing `nmap --script ssl-heartbleed` instead—that only checks one specific vulnerability, not the full cipher suite. Memory tip: think "Cipher Check, Version Verify, Port 443" to recall the three key components of the command.
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is performing a vulnerability scan on a web server that uses HTTPS. The tester wants to identify the server's SSL/TLS configuration weaknesses without overwhelming the server. Which Nmap command is most appropriate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers -p 443 target
Option A is correct because the `ssl-enum-ciphers` NSE script enumerates all supported SSL/TLS ciphers and protocols on the target, providing a detailed assessment of cryptographic weaknesses (e.g., weak ciphers, outdated TLS versions). The `-sV` flag enables version detection, and `-p 443` targets the HTTPS port, while the script itself is designed to be lightweight and not overwhelm the server, making it ideal for a non-intrusive vulnerability scan.
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.
✓
nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers -p 443 target
Why this is correct
This command runs the ssl-enum-ciphers script to enumerate SSL/TLS ciphers and weaknesses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
nmap -sT -A -T4 -p 443 target
Why it's wrong here
This performs a TCP connect scan with OS detection, which does not specifically enumerate ciphers.
✗
nmap -sU -p 443 target
Why it's wrong here
UDP scan on port 443 is not appropriate for HTTPS.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose `-sC` (default scripts) thinking it covers SSL checks, but it does not run the dedicated cipher enumeration script, which is the only option that specifically and safely identifies SSL/TLS weaknesses without aggressive scanning.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `ssl-enum-ciphers` script works by initiating a full TLS handshake for each supported protocol version (SSLv2, SSLv3, TLS 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3) and recording the cipher suites offered by the server, then grading them based on strength (e.g., weak, medium, strong). In real-world assessments, this script is critical for identifying compliance failures like support for export-grade ciphers (e.g., DES, RC4) or obsolete protocols, which are common in legacy systems. A subtle behavior is that the script may fail to complete if the server uses strict SNI (Server Name Indication) requirements or if a firewall rate-limits repeated handshake attempts, so testers often combine it with `--script-args tls.servername=example.com` for virtual hosts.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
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: nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers -p 443 target — Option A is correct because the `ssl-enum-ciphers` NSE script enumerates all supported SSL/TLS ciphers and protocols on the target, providing a detailed assessment of cryptographic weaknesses (e.g., weak ciphers, outdated TLS versions). The `-sV` flag enables version detection, and `-p 443` targets the HTTPS port, while the script itself is designed to be lightweight and not overwhelm the server, making it ideal for a non-intrusive vulnerability scan.
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.
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Question Discussion
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