Courseiva
← PT0-002
Full test
Question 337 of 509
Tools and Code Analysis →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is a buffer overflow caused the service to crash. When a penetration tester sends an oversized payload, such as a long string of 'A' characters, it can overflow the target’s memory buffer, corrupting the stack or heap and forcing the service to terminate abruptly. The resulting 'connection reset by peer' error indicates the remote server closed the TCP connection without a proper handshake, which is a classic sign of a crash rather than a simple refusal. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between connection errors: a reset suggests the service was running but died, while a refusal means no service was listening. A common trap is confusing this with a firewall block, which would typically drop packets silently or time out. Memory tip: “Reset equals wrecked service; refuse equals no service.”

PT0-002 Tools and Code Analysis Practice Question

This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code analysis. 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

#!/usr/bin/env python3
import socket
import sys

target = sys.argv[1]
port = int(sys.argv[2])
payload = b"A" * 5000

try:
    s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
    s.connect((target, port))
    s.send(payload)
    response = s.recv(1024)
    print(response)
except Exception as e:
    print(f"Error: {e}")

Refer to the exhibit. A penetration tester runs this script against a target service and receives the output 'Error: [Errno 104] Connection reset by peer'. What is the most likely cause?

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.

Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →

Exhibit

#!/usr/bin/env python3
import socket
import sys

target = sys.argv[1]
port = int(sys.argv[2])
payload = b"A" * 5000

try:
    s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
    s.connect((target, port))
    s.send(payload)
    response = s.recv(1024)
    print(response)
except Exception as e:
    print(f"Error: {e}")

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The payload caused the service to crash due to a buffer overflow.

The connection reset indicates that the remote server closed the connection abruptly, often because the service crashed. Sending a large payload of 'A' characters suggests a buffer overflow attempt, which could cause the service to crash. Option B correctly identifies this. If the service were not running, the error would be 'Connection refused'. Option C is possible but less likely given the script's purpose. Option D is not supported by the evidence.

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.

  • ✗

    The target service is not running.

    Why it's wrong here

    If the service were not running, the error would be 'Connection refused', not 'Connection reset'.

  • ✗

    The target service expects a different protocol.

    Why it's wrong here

    Protocol mismatch would typically result in a different error or unexpected response.

  • ✓

    The payload caused the service to crash due to a buffer overflow.

    Why this is correct

    The large payload and abrupt disconnection are consistent with a buffer overflow crash.

    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.

  • ✗

    The target is blocking the IP after detecting scanning.

    Why it's wrong here

    IP blocking would likely result in no response or a timeout, not a connection reset.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

Related practice questions

Related PT0-002 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

Planning and Scoping practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Planning and Scoping.

Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning.

Attacks and Exploits practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Attacks and Exploits.

Reporting and Communication practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Reporting and Communication.

Tools and Code Analysis practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Tools and Code Analysis.

PT0-002 fundamentals practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 fundamentals.

PT0-002 scenario practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 scenario.

PT0-002 troubleshooting practice questions

Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 troubleshooting.

Practice this exam

Start a free PT0-002 practice session

Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.

10 questions20 questions30 questions50 questionsTimed 30
PT0-002 practice-test guide →Study guide →Browse all practice tests

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this PT0-002 question test?

Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The payload caused the service to crash due to a buffer overflow. — The connection reset indicates that the remote server closed the connection abruptly, often because the service crashed. Sending a large payload of 'A' characters suggests a buffer overflow attempt, which could cause the service to crash. Option B correctly identifies this. If the service were not running, the error would be 'Connection refused'. Option C is possible but less likely given the script's purpose. Option D is not supported by the evidence.

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.

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 →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

Last reviewed: Jun 23, 2026

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.

Loading comments…

Sign in to join the discussion.

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.