- A
Wait for the scheduled task to run and capture the service account password using a network sniffer.
Why wrong: The scheduled task runs locally, not over the network, so sniffing won't capture credentials.
- B
Use PsExec to run a command as SYSTEM directly.
Why wrong: PsExec requires administrative privileges to run as SYSTEM; jdoe is a standard user.
- C
Modify the scheduled task to run a reverse shell with the service account's privileges.
Why wrong: Modifying a scheduled task requires administrative rights; jdoe is a standard user.
- D
Exploit the SeBackupPrivilege by using the Windows Backup and Restore capabilities to copy the SAM registry hive and dump local account hashes.
SeBackupPrivilege allows reading any file, including SAM and SYSTEM hives, enabling extraction of local administrator hashes.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to exploit the SeBackupPrivilege by using the Windows Backup and Restore capabilities to copy the SAM registry hive and dump local account hashes. This privilege, assigned to members of the Backup Operators group, grants the right to read any file on the system regardless of its ACL, allowing a low-privileged user to bypass normal security restrictions and access the SAM and SYSTEM hives. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Windows privilege escalation paths that avoid noisy exploits—many candidates mistakenly reach for PsExec or brute-force attacks, but the key is recognizing that SeBackupPrivilege enables a quiet, file-based extraction of local hashes without requiring administrative rights. A common trap is assuming you need admin access to copy protected hives, but the backup privilege overrides that. Memory tip: “Backup to break in”—if you see Backup Operators or SeBackupPrivilege, think SAM hive theft, not service abuse.
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.
You are a penetration tester performing an internal assessment of a corporate network. The network consists of a Windows Active Directory domain with Windows 10 clients and Windows Server 2019 servers. The goal is to escalate privileges from a standard domain user to domain administrator. You have obtained initial access to a workstation as a low-privileged user named 'jdoe'. During reconnaissance, you discover that the workstation has PowerShell Remoting (WinRM) enabled and that a scheduled task runs every 5 minutes with the credentials of a service account 'svc_app'. The service account is a member of the 'Backup Operators' group, which has SeBackupPrivilege. You also find that the system has an outdated version of the PsExec tool in the PATH. Which of the following is the most effective course of action to escalate privileges?
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
Exploit the SeBackupPrivilege by using the Windows Backup and Restore capabilities to copy the SAM registry hive and dump local account hashes.
Option C is correct because by leveraging SeBackupPrivilege, you can backup and restore system files, such as the SAM and SYSTEM hives, to extract local administrator password hashes. Option A is less effective because PsExec may not work without admin rights. Option B relies on guessable credentials. Option D is noisy and may alert defenders.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Wait for the scheduled task to run and capture the service account password using a network sniffer.
Why it's wrong here
The scheduled task runs locally, not over the network, so sniffing won't capture credentials.
- ✗
Use PsExec to run a command as SYSTEM directly.
Why it's wrong here
PsExec requires administrative privileges to run as SYSTEM; jdoe is a standard user.
- ✗
Modify the scheduled task to run a reverse shell with the service account's privileges.
Why it's wrong here
Modifying a scheduled task requires administrative rights; jdoe is a standard user.
- ✓
Exploit the SeBackupPrivilege by using the Windows Backup and Restore capabilities to copy the SAM registry hive and dump local account hashes.
Why this is correct
SeBackupPrivilege allows reading any file, including SAM and SYSTEM hives, enabling extraction of local administrator hashes.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Tools and Code Analysis — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Tools and Code Analysis practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Exploit the SeBackupPrivilege by using the Windows Backup and Restore capabilities to copy the SAM registry hive and dump local account hashes. — Option C is correct because by leveraging SeBackupPrivilege, you can backup and restore system files, such as the SAM and SYSTEM hives, to extract local administrator password hashes. Option A is less effective because PsExec may not work without admin rights. Option B relies on guessable credentials. Option D is noisy and may alert defenders.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 23, 2026
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.
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