The answer is launching a brute-force attack against SSH, as OpenSSH 6.6 is the oldest software version identified in the scan and is well-known for exploitable vulnerabilities. In penetration testing, prioritizing exploitation by the oldest software version is a core strategy because older versions lack security patches, making them more susceptible to brute-force attacks or remote code execution. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this concept tests your ability to correlate service banners with known vulnerability timelines, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must choose the most effective attack vector from a scan output. A common trap is fixating on MySQL 5.1.73, which is also old but typically requires valid credentials for exploitation, whereas SSH’s older version directly invites credential-based attacks. Remember the mnemonic: “Oldest SSH, first to breach” — when in doubt, prioritize the service with the lowest version number that supports direct authentication attacks.
PT0-002 Planning and Scoping Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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
Nmap scan report for 10.0.0.1
Host is up (0.001s latency).
PORT STATE SERVICE VERSION
22/tcp open ssh OpenSSH 6.6 (protocol 2.0)
80/tcp open http Apache httpd 2.4.29
443/tcp open ssl/https
3306/tcp open mysql MySQL 5.1.73
3389/tcp open ms-wbt-server Microsoft RDP
Refer to the exhibit. A penetration tester has run an initial reconnaissance scan and obtained the above output. The tester needs to decide which attack vector to prioritize based on the principle of exploiting the oldest software version. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
Nmap scan report for 10.0.0.1
Host is up (0.001s latency).
PORT STATE SERVICE VERSION
22/tcp open ssh OpenSSH 6.6 (protocol 2.0)
80/tcp open http Apache httpd 2.4.29
443/tcp open ssl/https
3306/tcp open mysql MySQL 5.1.73
3389/tcp open ms-wbt-server Microsoft RDP
A
Exploit the MySQL service using default credentials
Why wrong: MySQL is old but exploiting it typically requires valid credentials; default credentials may not exist.
B
Launch a brute-force attack against SSH
OpenSSH 6.6 is old and vulnerable; brute-force is a common vector for SSH.
C
Attempt to exploit the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) service
Why wrong: RDP is a common target, but without version info, it is not the clearest priority based on the exhibit.
D
Perform a vulnerability scan on the web applications
Why wrong: Web applications are always a potential vector, but the exhibit does not indicate a specific vulnerability.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Launch a brute-force attack against SSH
The SSH service is running OpenSSH 6.6, which is relatively old and known to have several vulnerabilities that can be exploited via brute-force or remote code execution. Therefore, launching a brute-force attack against SSH is prioritized. The MySQL version (5.1.73) is also old but less likely to be directly exploitable without credentials. The web server version is not listed but Apache 2.4.29 is newer. RDP is a common target but no version indicator suggests it's old.
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.
✗
Exploit the MySQL service using default credentials
Why it's wrong here
MySQL is old but exploiting it typically requires valid credentials; default credentials may not exist.
✓
Launch a brute-force attack against SSH
Why this is correct
OpenSSH 6.6 is old and vulnerable; brute-force is a common vector for SSH.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Attempt to exploit the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) service
Why it's wrong here
RDP is a common target, but without version info, it is not the clearest priority based on the exhibit.
✗
Perform a vulnerability scan on the web applications
Why it's wrong here
Web applications are always a potential vector, but the exhibit does not indicate a specific vulnerability.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Planning and Scoping — This question tests Planning and Scoping — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Launch a brute-force attack against SSH — The SSH service is running OpenSSH 6.6, which is relatively old and known to have several vulnerabilities that can be exploited via brute-force or remote code execution. Therefore, launching a brute-force attack against SSH is prioritized. The MySQL version (5.1.73) is also old but less likely to be directly exploitable without credentials. The web server version is not listed but Apache 2.4.29 is newer. RDP is a common target but no version indicator suggests it's old.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.