The answer is eth2, because the routing table interface selection process always prioritizes the most specific route to the destination. When a packet is destined for 10.0.1.50, the routing table compares all entries and selects the route with the longest prefix match; here, the 10.0.1.0/24 network (Genmask 255.255.255.0) is more specific than the broader 10.0.0.0/8 via eth1 or the default route via eth0, so traffic is forwarded through eth2. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this concept tests your ability to interpret routing tables during network scoping and pivoting scenarios—a common trap is to mistakenly choose the default gateway or a larger subnet because it appears first. Remember the memory tip: “Longest match wins the catch,” meaning the route with the most bits in the subnet mask always determines the exit interface.
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
Refer to the exhibit.
```
Kernel IP routing table
Destination Gateway Genmask Flags Metric Ref Use Iface
0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1 0.0.0.0 UG 100 0 0 eth0
10.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 U 0 0 0 eth1
10.0.1.0 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.0 U 0 0 0 eth2
```
Refer to the exhibit. A penetration tester is scoping a test and needs to reach a host at 10.0.1.50. Through which interface will traffic be routed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
eth2
The most specific route matches the destination. 10.0.1.50 falls within the 10.0.1.0/24 network (Genmask 255.255.255.0), which is routed via eth2. The default route via eth0 and the broader 10.0.0.0/8 route via eth1 are less specific.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 route is ambiguous
Why it's wrong here
The longest prefix match determines a single route.
✗
eth0
Why it's wrong here
eth0 is the default route for 0.0.0.0/0, not the most specific.
eth1 covers 10.0.0.0/8, but a more specific route exists.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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. Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets. 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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PT0-002 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Planning and Scoping — This question tests Planning and Scoping — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: eth2 — The most specific route matches the destination. 10.0.1.50 falls within the 10.0.1.0/24 network (Genmask 255.255.255.0), which is routed via eth2. The default route via eth0 and the broader 10.0.0.0/8 route via eth1 are less specific.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PT0-002 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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