The answer is to search for SUID binaries with known vulnerabilities and exploit one. This technique succeeds because SUID (Set Owner User ID) binaries execute with the file owner’s privileges—often root—allowing a low-privilege user like www-data to run commands at a higher level. Since the tester can already read /etc/shadow, they have reconnaissance data but need a direct execution vector; exploiting a misconfigured or vulnerable SUID binary provides that without requiring kernel exploits or write access to /etc/sudoers. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your understanding of standard Linux privilege escalation paths, especially when AppArmor is active—note that AppArmor only blocks SUID exploitation if a specific profile restricts the binary, not as a blanket defense. A common trap is assuming AppArmor prevents all SUID abuse, but in practice, many binaries remain unconfined. Memory tip: “SUID = Super User’s ID—if it’s vulnerable, you’re one step from root.”
PT0-002 Attacks and Exploits Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
During an internal penetration test, the tester gains a low-privilege shell on a Linux server running a web application. The web application runs as the www-data user. The tester discovers that the www-data user can read the /etc/shadow file. The server has AppArmor enabled, which restricts certain actions. The tester wants to escalate privileges to root. Which technique 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Search for SUID binaries with known vulnerabilities and exploit one.
Option C is correct because SUID binaries that are misconfigured or have known vulnerabilities can be exploited to execute commands with the privileges of the binary's owner (often root). Since the tester already has a low-privilege shell and can read /etc/shadow, searching for SUID binaries is a standard privilege escalation technique that does not require kernel exploits or write access to /etc/sudoers. The presence of AppArmor does not inherently block SUID exploitation unless specific profiles restrict the binary.
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.
✗
Extract password hashes from /etc/shadow and crack them offline.
Why it's wrong here
This is possible but may take time and does not directly escalate privileges; root password cracking is not guaranteed.
✗
Use a kernel exploit like Dirty COW.
Why it's wrong here
Kernel exploits may be patched or blocked by AppArmor; they are less reliable than exploiting a known SUID binary.
✓
Search for SUID binaries with known vulnerabilities and exploit one.
Why this is correct
SUID binaries run as root, and a vulnerable one can provide a direct root shell, bypassing AppArmor if the binary's profile allows.
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.
✗
Add the www-data user to the sudoers file.
Why it's wrong here
Only root can edit the sudoers file, so this is not possible from a low-privilege shell.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume reading /etc/shadow directly leads to root access via password cracking, but they overlook the practical difficulty of using the cracked password without an interactive login method, and they underestimate the effectiveness of SUID exploitation in a restricted environment like AppArmor.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SUID (Set User ID) binaries run with the effective UID of the file owner, often root. Common examples include /usr/bin/passwd, /bin/su, and custom scripts. Tools like 'find / -perm -4000 -type f 2>/dev/null' can enumerate them. If a SUID binary has a known vulnerability (e.g., a buffer overflow or insecure environment variable handling), it can be leveraged to spawn a root shell. AppArmor profiles may restrict certain binaries, but many SUID binaries are left unconfined or have permissive profiles.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Search for SUID binaries with known vulnerabilities and exploit one. — Option C is correct because SUID binaries that are misconfigured or have known vulnerabilities can be exploited to execute commands with the privileges of the binary's owner (often root). Since the tester already has a low-privilege shell and can read /etc/shadow, searching for SUID binaries is a standard privilege escalation technique that does not require kernel exploits or write access to /etc/sudoers. The presence of AppArmor does not inherently block SUID exploitation unless specific profiles restrict the binary.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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