The correct answer is that attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware. Outdated browser plugins like Adobe Flash Player are a significant security risk because they contain publicly documented flaws that cybercriminals can weaponize without needing sophisticated tools; once a vulnerability is known, exploit code often becomes widely available, allowing malware to be delivered through seemingly legitimate web content. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of attack vectors and the importance of patch management under domain 3.0 (Software Troubleshooting). A common trap is choosing an answer that focuses on the plugin simply slowing down the browser or causing display errors—while those are possible, the primary risk is always the exploitation of unpatched security holes. Remember the memory tip: “Old plugin, new malware” — if it’s outdated, it’s a welcome mat for attackers.
220-1202 Browser and Application Security Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application 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.
During a security audit, you find that a user's browser has an outdated version of Adobe Flash Player installed. What is the primary security risk associated with this finding?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware.
Outdated plugins like Flash Player are common attack vectors because they contain known vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Keeping software updated is a fundamental browser security practice.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 browser will run slower and may crash frequently.
Why it's wrong here
While performance issues can occur, the primary risk is security-related, not performance.
✗
The user will be unable to view some web content.
Why it's wrong here
Incompatibility is a usability issue, but the main concern is exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
✓
Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware.
Why this is correct
Outdated plugins have unpatched security holes that attackers frequently target to compromise systems.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The browser will automatically disable the plugin.
Why it's wrong here
Modern browsers may block outdated plugins, but the risk remains until the plugin is updated or removed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware. — Outdated plugins like Flash Player are common attack vectors because they contain known vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Keeping software updated is a fundamental browser security practice.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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