20+ practice questions focused on Software Development Security — one of the most tested topics on the Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Software Development Security PracticeA development team is adopting a secure SDLC. Which phase should include threat modeling to identify potential security vulnerabilities early?
Explanation: Threat modeling is a structured activity that identifies potential threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors against a system. It is most effective during the Design phase because architectural decisions, data flow diagrams, trust boundaries, and component interactions are being defined, allowing security controls to be built in rather than bolted on later. Performing threat modeling here aligns with the 'shift left' principle of secure SDLC, reducing cost and effort compared to retrofitting security after implementation.
A software company uses a third-party library that has a known critical vulnerability. The library is used extensively and rewriting the code would take months. What is the BEST immediate action to reduce risk?
Explanation: Option D is correct because implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to block exploitation provides an immediate, compensating control that mitigates the known vulnerability without requiring code changes. This is the best immediate action because it buys time for a permanent fix while reducing risk, aligning with the principle of defense in depth. The WAF can inspect HTTP/HTTPS traffic for attack patterns (e.g., SQL injection, path traversal) specific to the vulnerable library and block malicious requests at the application layer.
During a code review, a developer encounters the following code snippet in a Java web application used to authenticate users: String query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '" + request.getParameter("user") + "' AND password = '" + request.getParameter("pass") + "'"; Which of the following is the MOST effective remediation?
Explanation: Option D is correct because prepared statements with parameterized queries separate SQL logic from user input, preventing SQL injection entirely. In Java, using PreparedStatement with bind variables (e.g., `ps.setString(1, user)`) ensures the database treats input as data, not executable code, which is the only reliable defense against SQL injection attacks.
An organization is migrating from a waterfall to an Agile development methodology. Which of the following is a key security advantage of Agile?
Explanation: In Agile development, security testing and remediation are integrated into each iteration (sprint), allowing teams to identify and fix vulnerabilities incrementally rather than waiting until the end. This continuous feedback loop reduces the risk of late-stage security surprises and aligns with the principle of 'shifting left' on security.
A company is deploying a containerized application using Kubernetes. Which practice BEST ensures the security of the container images?
Explanation: Scanning container images for known vulnerabilities (e.g., using Trivy, Clair, or Snyk) and using minimal base images (e.g., Alpine or distroless) directly reduces the attack surface and eliminates unnecessary packages that may contain exploitable flaws. This practice is foundational to secure software supply chain management and aligns with the principle of least functionality in containerized environments.
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Practice all Software Development Security questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Software Development Security. This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
Software Development Security questions on the CISSP frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. Software Development Security is tested as part of the Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP blueprint. Practicing with targeted Software Development Security questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but Software Development Security is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
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