CPENT Active Directory Attacks Practice Question
An auditor is reviewing Active Directory Certificate Services and identifies ESC8. What exact AD CS endpoint is exploited during an ESC8 attack vector?
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 HTTP-based Web Enrollment (certsrv/) or Certificate Enrollment Web Service endpoints
ESC8 exploits AD CS Web Enrollment or Certificate Enrollment Web Services endpoints that have HTTP enabled and permit NTLM authentication, allowing NTLM relay from coerced machine accounts.
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 Kerberos Key Distribution Center service on port 88
Why it's wrong here
Port 88 handles Kerberos ticketing operations, not AD CS web enrollment.
- ✓
The HTTP-based Web Enrollment (certsrv/) or Certificate Enrollment Web Service endpoints
Why this is correct
HTTP enrollment services do not enforce EPA by default, making them vulnerable to NTLM relay.
- ✗
The LDAP signing and LDAP channel binding endpoints on port 636
Why it's wrong here
LDAP endpoints pertain to directory queries rather than AD CS certificate web enrollment.
- ✗
The RPC-based DCOM interface on port 135
Why it's wrong here
DCOM is used for different administrative operations, whereas ESC8 specifically leverages HTTP web endpoints.
About these practice questions
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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.