The answer is to deploy AWS WAF in front of the web application, use prepared statements for database queries, and apply the principle of least privilege to database accounts. These three measures form a defense-in-depth strategy because prepared statements separate SQL logic from user input, effectively neutralizing injection attempts at the code level, while least privilege limits the blast radius if an injection succeeds, and AWS WAF provides a perimeter layer to filter malicious payloads before they reach the application. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that SQL injection mitigation requires layered controls, not a single fix—a common trap is assuming stored procedures alone are sufficient, but they only prevent injection when used with parameterized inputs, not concatenated strings. Remember the mnemonic “WAF, Prepare, Limit” to recall the three pillars: Web layer filtering, Prepared statements, and Least privilege.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is using Amazon RDS for MySQL to host a web application. The security team has identified that the application is vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. The team wants to implement a defense-in-depth strategy to protect the database. Which THREE measures should be taken to mitigate SQL injection risks?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Grant the minimum required permissions to the database user used by the application.
Options A, B, and D are correct. Prepared statements prevent SQL injection; least privilege reduces impact; WAF filters malicious input. Option C is wrong because stored procedures do not inherently prevent injection if not used with parameters. Option E is wrong because encryption does not prevent injection.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Grant the minimum required permissions to the database user used by the application.
Why this is correct
Least privilege limits damage if injection occurs.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Move all SQL logic into stored procedures.
Why it's wrong here
Stored procedures can be vulnerable if they concatenate input.
✓
Use parameterized queries or prepared statements in the application code.
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries prevent injection by separating data from code.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Enable encryption at rest for the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data at rest, not injection attacks.
✓
Deploy AWS WAF in front of the web application to filter malicious requests.
Why this is correct
WAF can block common SQL injection patterns.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Grant the minimum required permissions to the database user used by the application. — Options A, B, and D are correct. Prepared statements prevent SQL injection; least privilege reduces impact; WAF filters malicious input. Option C is wrong because stored procedures do not inherently prevent injection if not used with parameters. Option E is wrong because encryption does not prevent injection.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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