CPENT Active Directory Attacks Practice Question
A pentester needs to exploit an AD CS vulnerability where a low-privileged user can enroll in a template that permits Client Authentication and has the 'ENROLLEE_SUPPLIES_SUBJECT' flag set. Which tool from Certipy can be used to request a certificate and subsequently authenticate as a high-privileged user?
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
✓
certipy req -u user@corp.local -p password -target ca.corp.local -template VulnerableTemplate -upn administrator@corp.local
Certipy is an industry-standard tool for auditing and abusing Active Directory Certificate Services. The 'certipy req' command handles certificate requests using specified templates and alternate subject names.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
certipy req -u user@corp.local -p password -target ca.corp.local -template VulnerableTemplate -upn administrator@corp.local
Why this is correct
This command requests a certificate as a standard user specifying an alternate UPN (administrator), exploiting ESC1.
- ✗
certipy shadow -username user -target dc01
Why it's wrong here
The 'shadow' subcommand is used for Shadow Credentials (Key Credential Link) attacks, not AD CS template abuse.
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certipy ca -backup -ca "corp-CA-1"
Why it's wrong here
The 'ca' subcommand manages CA configurations and backups, not enrollment requests.
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certipy template -update VulnerableTemplate -enrollee-supplies-subject True
Why it's wrong here
This command modifies templates, which requires administrative rights, whereas exploitation starts with enrollment rights.
About these practice questions
One of 276 original CPENT practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. 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.