CPENT Active Directory Attacks Practice Question
Which THREE conditions or configurations make an Active Directory certificate template vulnerable to ESC3 (Enrollment Agent abuse)?
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
✓
The template includes the Certificate Request Agent EKU (Enrollment Agent functionality).
ESC3 involves a certificate template configured as an Enrollment Agent (containing the Certificate Request Agent EKU), allowing enrollment by low-privileged users, and permitting issuance of certificates on behalf of other users.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The template includes the Certificate Request Agent EKU (Enrollment Agent functionality).
Why this is correct
Enrollment agent EKUs allow requesting certificates on behalf of other principals.
- ✓
Low-privileged users have enrollment rights over the template.
Why this is correct
Attackers must be able to enroll in the enrollment agent template to initiate the attack.
- ✗
The CA requires Manager Approval for all issued certificates.
Why it's wrong here
Manager approval blocks automated ESC3 exploitation unless bypassed.
- ✓
The application policy constraints or authorized signatures are missing or overly permissive.
Why this is correct
Permissive template settings allow the agent to request arbitrary target certificates without restriction.
- ✗
The domain functional level is set to Windows Server 2003.
Why it's wrong here
AD CS vulnerabilities exist independently of old functional levels.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every CPENT question from scratch — 274 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official EC-Council exam blueprint
This CPENT practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CPENT exam.