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 security engineer is investigating an Amazon RDS for MySQL database that was compromised. The engineer finds that the compromise was due to a SQL injection vulnerability in a web application. The web application uses a database user with full administrative privileges. What is the BEST practice to prevent such incidents in the future?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create dedicated database users with minimal privileges required for each application function.
Option D is correct because using separate database users with least privilege for each application limits the impact of a compromise. Option A is wrong because database audit logs help detect but not prevent. Option B is wrong because it reduces attack surface but does not address the root cause of excessive privileges. Option C is wrong because parameter groups do not enforce least privilege.
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.
✓
Create dedicated database users with minimal privileges required for each application function.
Why this is correct
Least privilege ensures that even if compromised, the attacker has limited access.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Configure the DB parameter group to use the 'sql_mode' option to reject dangerous queries.
Why it's wrong here
SQL mode settings can restrict some behaviors but are not a comprehensive solution for SQL injection.
✗
Enable RDS audit logs to capture all SQL queries.
Why it's wrong here
Audit logs help with detection and forensics, not prevention.
✗
Place the RDS instance in a private subnet with a security group that restricts inbound traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Network security reduces exposure but does not prevent SQL injection if the application is already allowed.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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: Create dedicated database users with minimal privileges required for each application function. — Option D is correct because using separate database users with least privilege for each application limits the impact of a compromise. Option A is wrong because database audit logs help detect but not prevent. Option B is wrong because it reduces attack surface but does not address the root cause of excessive privileges. Option C is wrong because parameter groups do not enforce least privilege.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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