The answer is to avoid the exploit and instead attempt Kerberoasting or AS-REP roasting. This is correct because the rules of engagement explicitly prohibit any exploit that could cause a denial of service, and the Zerologon vulnerability, while powerful, carries a known risk of crashing the domain controller if not executed perfectly. By pivoting to Kerberoasting or AS-REP roasting, you still test Active Directory security by attempting to crack service account or user tickets, all while staying safely within scope. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this scenario tests your ability to balance technical capability with professional ethics and scope adherence—a common trap is choosing the most impactful exploit without considering operational risk. Remember the memory tip: “Scope before exploit; if it might drop, you stop.”
PT0-002 Planning and Scoping Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of planning and scoping. 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 conducting an internal network penetration test for a medium-sized company. The network consists of a Windows domain with multiple servers and workstations. The scope includes testing the Active Directory security. The client has provided a low-privileged domain user account for initial access. During the reconnaissance phase, you discover that the domain controller is running Windows Server 2012 R2 with no recent patches. There is a known privilege escalation vulnerability (e.g., Zerologon) that could allow you to become Domain Admin. However, the client's rules of engagement explicitly prohibit the use of any exploit that could cause a denial of service on the domain controller. The Zerologon exploit, if not carefully executed, could crash the domain controller. Which of the following actions should you take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Avoid the exploit and instead attempt Kerberoasting or AS-REP roasting
Option B is correct because it adheres to the rules of engagement while still testing AD security. Option A is wrong because it could cause DoS and violate scope. Option C is wrong because the tester should still perform other tests. Option D is wrong because modifying exploits is risky and not approved.
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.
✗
Modify the exploit code to ensure no disruption, then run it
Why it's wrong here
Unethical and may still cause issues.
✗
Proceed with the Zerologon exploit during off-hours to minimize risk
Why it's wrong here
Still risks DoS and violates scope.
✗
Report the vulnerability immediately without attempting exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Premature; other tests should be attempted first.
✓
Avoid the exploit and instead attempt Kerberoasting or AS-REP roasting
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
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.
Planning and Scoping — This question tests Planning and Scoping — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Avoid the exploit and instead attempt Kerberoasting or AS-REP roasting — Option B is correct because it adheres to the rules of engagement while still testing AD security. Option A is wrong because it could cause DoS and violate scope. Option C is wrong because the tester should still perform other tests. Option D is wrong because modifying exploits is risky and not approved.
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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Question Discussion
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