The correct technique is pivoting through the compromised web server, as it is a dual-homed host with two network interfaces (10.0.1.5 and 192.168.1.5) that can relay traffic from the attacker’s machine to the otherwise inaccessible database server at 192.168.1.10. This method, known as pivoting, leverages the compromised host as a proxy or router—commonly implemented via SSH port forwarding, Metasploit’s route add command, or a SOCKS proxy—to traverse network segments. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of lateral movement and network segmentation bypass, often appearing in questions about dual-homed hosts or multi-homed systems. A common trap is confusing pivoting with simple port scanning or direct exploitation; remember that pivoting requires routing traffic through an intermediary. Memory tip: “Pivot like a pivot point—one foot on the attacker’s subnet, the other on the target subnet.”
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a red team engagement, a penetration tester needs to pivot from a compromised internal web server to a database server that is not directly accessible. The web server has two network interfaces: 10.0.1.5 and 192.168.1.5. The database server is at 192.168.1.10. Which technique should the tester use to reach the database?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Pivoting through the web server
D is correct because the web server has two network interfaces (10.0.1.5 and 192.168.1.5), making it a dual-homed host that can act as a pivot point. The tester can use the compromised web server as a proxy or relay to route traffic from the attacker's machine (reachable via 10.0.1.5) to the database server at 192.168.1.10, which is on a separate subnet not directly accessible. This technique, known as pivoting, typically involves tools like SSH port forwarding, Metasploit's route add, or a SOCKS proxy to forward traffic through the compromised host.
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.
✗
ARP spoofing
Why it's wrong here
ARP spoofing works on the same subnet, but the tester is not on the database subnet.
✗
DNS tunneling
Why it's wrong here
DNS tunneling is for covert data exfiltration, not direct TCP connections.
✗
Port knocking
Why it's wrong here
Port knocking is used to dynamically open firewall ports, not to route traffic.
✓
Pivoting through the web server
Why this is correct
The web server can route traffic to the database subnet, allowing the tester to attack the database.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse pivoting with other network manipulation techniques like ARP spoofing or port knocking, failing to recognize that the dual-homed web server provides a routing path between subnets, which is the core requirement for pivoting.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Pivoting exploits the compromised web server's routing capabilities: by enabling IP forwarding (e.g., sysctl net.ipv4.ip_forward=1 on Linux) or using a proxy tool like Chisel or SSH with -D (dynamic port forwarding), the tester can create a tunnel that forwards packets from the attacker's machine to the database server. In real-world engagements, this often requires disabling reverse path filtering (rp_filter) on the pivot host to avoid packet drops when the return traffic takes a different interface. The technique is fundamental for lateral movement in segmented networks, where the attacker must chain through multiple hosts to reach isolated targets.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Pivoting through the web server — D is correct because the web server has two network interfaces (10.0.1.5 and 192.168.1.5), making it a dual-homed host that can act as a pivot point. The tester can use the compromised web server as a proxy or relay to route traffic from the attacker's machine (reachable via 10.0.1.5) to the database server at 192.168.1.10, which is on a separate subnet not directly accessible. This technique, known as pivoting, typically involves tools like SSH port forwarding, Metasploit's route add, or a SOCKS proxy to forward traffic through the compromised host.
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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