Which Tool Best Detects Vulnerabilities on a Database Server?

PT0-002 By islever Editorial Last updated

Short answer

D SQLmap

Question

A security analyst is conducting a penetration test for an online store with a database server. Which of the following tools would best assist the tester in detecting vulnerabilities on that server?
  1. Burp Suite
  2. Nessus
  3. Nikto
  4. SQLmap Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The exam tests tool-to-target mapping; the trap is reading 'server' too broadly—'database server' points to SQLmap, not Nessus.

This PT0-002 question asks which tool best detects vulnerabilities on an online store's database server, with the community split between SQLmap (54%) and Nessus (46%). The consensus among top comments is that SQLmap is the best answer because the target is specifically a database server.

Common mistake: Choosing B, Nessus, is the most common wrong answer because Nessus is a well-known general vulnerability scanner. However, it is a broad assessment tool, while the question specifically targets a database server, which is SQLmap's specialty.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

SQLmap is a specialized open-source penetration testing tool that automates detecting and exploiting SQL injection flaws and can take over database servers. The question specifically says 'database server' and asks about detecting vulnerabilities on 'that server,' not the web application or general network. Among the choices, SQLmap is the only tool whose primary purpose is database vulnerability discovery and exploitation. Comments [2] and [3] highlight this wording.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Burp Suite is a web proxy/interception tool for testing web applications; it does not directly scan a database server. Nikto is a web server scanner that finds misconfigurations and known issues on web servers, not database servers. Nessus is a general vulnerability scanner that can scan database servers, but it is not specialized for databases, and the question implies a penetration test tool for the database server itself. Comments [5] and [6] note Nessus's broad nature, which explains its votes but also why it is less precise.

Community Comment Notes

The top-voted comments split 54/46 between D and B. Nessus supporters argue that credentialed scans provide comprehensive vulnerability reports, while SQLmap supporters point to the exact phrase 'database server.' Comment [2] explicitly says the answer is in the question, and comment [4] notes the wording seems to ask specifically about the database server rather than the online store application. This mirrors the exam's intent: match the tool to the specified target.

Official Reference

These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

Underline the target noun in tool-choice questions. If the target is a database server, choose a database-specific tool like SQLmap; reserve Nessus for broad vulnerability assessments.

Community Votes

D
54%
B
46%

54% of anonymous learners picked answer D. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 7 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 7

  1. sparseyyy 👍 4 Answered B
    Nessus is a comprehensive vulnerability scanner that can assess a wide range of systems, including database servers, for vulnerabilities. It provides detailed reports on discovered vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended remediation steps
  2. IamBlackFire 👍 3 Answered D
    Guys the answer is in the question. We are not referring to online store server (nikto should be the best, burpsuite as well .. and SQLmap) but CompTIA is asking for "that" server: the database server.
  3. BlackSkullz 👍 2 Answered D
    This was a tough one for me On one hand, Nessus would be performed by an analyst which means that it most likely would be a credentialed scan being conducted, which could reveal very comprehensive vulnerability information. However, the way the question is worded, it seems like it's asking specifically about the database server rather than the online store application. SQLmap specializes in SQL injection vulnerabilities and provides very in-depth information on what it finds. For this, I would have to give the edge to D. SQLmap
  4. kinny4000 👍 2 Answered D
    If the question was asking about the webserver and not the database server, then it's a toss up between Burp Suite, Nessus and Nikto, all of these will help in detecting webserver vulnerabilities. That leaves only SQLMap for if its a database server they are referring to. Because of how hard it is to choose between the 3 webserver options, I'll go with SQLMap, surely they dont expect you to pick between Nessus and Nikto??
  5. Willz01 👍 1 Answered B
    At first I thought it was D.SQLmap but now im going with B.Nessus. Seems like they are trying to throw you off by saying database server. It asks what would be used to detect vulnerabilities on the server not just SQL injections.
Show 2 more comments
  1. Learner213 👍 1 Answered B
    Nessus - Vulnerability scanner for OSs, Apps, IOT, Networking Equipment... SQLmap - automated tool for SQL Injection and database takeover.
  2. 6f49db7 👍 3
    B. Nessus

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