A client wants to test a mobile app that uses certificate pinning. The penetration tester needs to perform dynamic analysis of the app's network traffic. Which of the following should be included in the rules of engagement to enable this testing?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Best answer
Include a provision to install a custom CA certificate on a rooted/jailbroken device.
This is the standard approach to bypass certificate pinning. By installing a custom CA certificate that the testing proxy uses, the tester can intercept and modify traffic. Rooting/jailbreaking may void warranties, so client permission is essential.
Distractor review
Request the app's source code for static analysis instead of dynamic analysis.
Static analysis does not require bypassing pinning, but it does not test the runtime behavior. The client requested dynamic analysis, so a source code review alone is insufficient.
Distractor review
Use a proxy tool like Burp Suite without any modification to the device.
Without bypassing certificate pinning, the proxy will be unable to intercept the app's SSL/TLS traffic. The device must trust the proxy's certificate, which is prevented by pinning.
Distractor review
Obtain a list of API endpoints from the developer and test them manually.
This approach bypasses the need to intercept traffic, but it does not test the mobile app's actual behavior or reveal issues like hardcoded credentials, insecure data storage, or client-side vulnerabilities. Dynamic analysis of the live app is more thorough.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary for a report. The client's CEO needs to understand the business impact of a critical SQL injection vulnerability. Which of the following should the tester include?
Question 2
A penetration tester has gained a low-privileged shell on a Linux server. During enumeration, the tester discovers a binary with the SUID bit set that belongs to root and is known to have a buffer overflow vulnerability. What is the MOST effective next step to escalate privileges?
Question 3
A penetration tester is performing passive reconnaissance against a target domain. Which of the following resources can be used to gather information about the target without directly sending packets to the target's network? (Select two.) (Choose 2.)
Question 4
A penetration tester has obtained a TGT from a domain controller by cracking the krbtgt hash. Which attack can the tester now perform to gain persistent administrative access to any resource in the domain?
Question 5
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary for the final report. The CEO needs to understand the overall risk level and the business impact of the findings. Which of the following should be included in the executive summary?
Question 6
A penetration tester is writing the executive summary of a penetration test report. Which of the following elements is MOST important to include for a non-technical audience?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Include a provision to install a custom CA certificate on a rooted/jailbroken device. — Certificate pinning prevents standard proxy tools from intercepting traffic unless the tester can install a trusted CA certificate on the device. This typically requires a rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS) device to install a custom root CA. The rules of engagement should explicitly allow this setup to ensure the tester can perform dynamic analysis effectively.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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