The answer is Microsoft-DS on port 445. This service runs the SMB protocol, which is famously associated with the EternalBlue exploit (MS17-010), a remote code execution vulnerability that requires no authentication to compromise the target. When you identify vulnerable service nmap results, SMB on port 445 should immediately raise a red flag for unauthenticated RCE, unlike SSH or HTTP which typically need credentials or specific application flaws, and RDP which has had vulnerabilities but not the same notorious, wormable history. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to map a common port to its protocol and recall high-impact, unauthenticated exploits—a frequent trap is confusing SMB with NetBIOS (port 139) or assuming all services require authentication. Memory tip: think “445 = SMB, SMB = EternalBlue, no creds needed.”
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. 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
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.10
Host is up (0.0010s latency).
PORT STATE SERVICE
22/tcp open ssh
80/tcp open http
445/tcp open microsoft-ds
3389/tcp open ms-wbt-server
Nmap done: 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 10.00 seconds
Refer to the exhibit. A penetration tester performed an Nmap scan of a target server and received the above output. The tester recalls that one of these services is associated with a well-known remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without authentication. Which service is most likely vulnerable?
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.
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.10
Host is up (0.0010s latency).
PORT STATE SERVICE
22/tcp open ssh
80/tcp open http
445/tcp open microsoft-ds
3389/tcp open ms-wbt-server
Nmap done: 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 10.00 seconds
A
HTTP (port 80)
Why wrong: Web servers may have vulnerabilities, but a well-known unauthenticated RCE is more typical of SMB.
B
SSH (port 22)
Why wrong: SSH vulnerabilities are rare and usually require authentication.
C
Microsoft-DS (port 445)
SMB has a history of critical remote code execution flaws like EternalBlue that do not require authentication.
D
ms-wbt-server (port 3389)
Why wrong: RDP vulnerabilities exist (e.g., BlueKeep) but are not as universally well-known as SMB's EternalBlue.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Microsoft-DS (port 445)
Port 445/tcp is Microsoft-DS (SMB). The SMB protocol has known remote code execution vulnerabilities such as EternalBlue (MS17-010) that can be exploited without authentication. SSH (option A) and HTTP (option B) typically require credentials or application-level vulnerabilities. RDP (option D) has had vulnerabilities, but the most notorious unauthenticated RCE on SMB is EternalBlue.
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.
✗
HTTP (port 80)
Why it's wrong here
Web servers may have vulnerabilities, but a well-known unauthenticated RCE is more typical of SMB.
✗
SSH (port 22)
Why it's wrong here
SSH vulnerabilities are rare and usually require authentication.
✓
Microsoft-DS (port 445)
Why this is correct
SMB has a history of critical remote code execution flaws like EternalBlue that do not require authentication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
ms-wbt-server (port 3389)
Why it's wrong here
RDP vulnerabilities exist (e.g., BlueKeep) but are not as universally well-known as SMB's EternalBlue.
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.
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: Microsoft-DS (port 445) — Port 445/tcp is Microsoft-DS (SMB). The SMB protocol has known remote code execution vulnerabilities such as EternalBlue (MS17-010) that can be exploited without authentication. SSH (option A) and HTTP (option B) typically require credentials or application-level vulnerabilities. RDP (option D) has had vulnerabilities, but the most notorious unauthenticated RCE on SMB is EternalBlue.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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