- A
Conduct a thorough code review of the order-tracking feature, implement parameterized queries, and then redeploy the application after passing a static code analysis scan.
Directly addresses the SQLi vulnerability at the code level.
- B
Replace the web server with a new server running the latest OS and web server version, then redeploy the same web application code.
Why wrong: The application code still contains the SQLi vulnerability.
- C
Implement network segmentation to isolate the web server and restrict outbound traffic to only essential services.
Why wrong: Segmentation limits blast radius but does not fix the vulnerability.
- D
Increase logging and deploy a WAF in front of the server with rules to block common SQLi patterns.
Why wrong: WAFs can be bypassed and do not fix the underlying code.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is conducting a thorough code review of the order-tracking feature, implementing parameterized queries, and then redeploying the application after passing a static code analysis scan. This is the most effective course of action because the root cause of the recurring compromise is a SQL injection vulnerability in the application code itself, not a server-level issue. Simply rebuilding or patching the server leaves the vulnerable code intact, allowing the same attack vector to be exploited again immediately. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that remediating SQL injection requires fixing the code at the source—parameterized queries prevent malicious input from being interpreted as SQL commands. A common trap is choosing network segmentation or enhanced monitoring, which only contain or detect the symptom without removing the flaw. Remember the memory tip: “Patch the code, not just the host” to keep the root cause straight.
CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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 mid-sized e-commerce company has recently experienced a data breach where customer payment card information was exfiltrated. The security team has identified that the breach originated from a compromised web server that was part of a PCI DSS compliant environment. The server was running outdated software and had several known vulnerabilities. Post-incident analysis reveals that the attacker exploited a SQL injection vulnerability in the order-tracking feature. The incident response team followed NIST SP 800-61 guidelines: they contained the threat, eradicated the malicious code, and restored the server from a known clean backup. However, two weeks after the restoration, the same server is again showing signs of similar malicious activity. The server is still in production and handling credit card transactions. Which of the following is the MOST effective course of action to prevent this recurring compromise?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Conduct a thorough code review of the order-tracking feature, implement parameterized queries, and then redeploy the application after passing a static code analysis scan.
The correct answer is C. The root cause is a code-level vulnerability (SQLi) that was not fixed. Just patching the OS or rebuilding with the same software will not remove the vulnerability. The application code must be reviewed and the SQLi flaw remediated. Option A (replacing the server) does not fix the underlying code. Option B (network segmentation) only contains but does not fix the application vulnerability. Option D (increasing monitoring) is reactive and does not prevent exploitation.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Conduct a thorough code review of the order-tracking feature, implement parameterized queries, and then redeploy the application after passing a static code analysis scan.
Why this is correct
Directly addresses the SQLi vulnerability at the code level.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Replace the web server with a new server running the latest OS and web server version, then redeploy the same web application code.
Why it's wrong here
The application code still contains the SQLi vulnerability.
- ✗
Implement network segmentation to isolate the web server and restrict outbound traffic to only essential services.
Why it's wrong here
Segmentation limits blast radius but does not fix the vulnerability.
- ✗
Increase logging and deploy a WAF in front of the server with rules to block common SQLi patterns.
Why it's wrong here
WAFs can be bypassed and do not fix the underlying code.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAS-004 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
- →
Security Operations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security Operations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CAS-004 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CAS-004 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CAS-004 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Scripting, Containers and Automation practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
Application Environment, Configuration and Security practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Application Environment, Configuration and Security.
Governance, Risk and Compliance practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Security Engineering practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Engineering.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Operations.
CAS-004 fundamentals practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 fundamentals.
CAS-004 scenario practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 scenario.
CAS-004 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CAS-004 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CAS-004 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Conduct a thorough code review of the order-tracking feature, implement parameterized queries, and then redeploy the application after passing a static code analysis scan. — The correct answer is C. The root cause is a code-level vulnerability (SQLi) that was not fixed. Just patching the OS or rebuilding with the same software will not remove the vulnerability. The application code must be reviewed and the SQLi flaw remediated. Option A (replacing the server) does not fix the underlying code. Option B (network segmentation) only contains but does not fix the application vulnerability. Option D (increasing monitoring) is reactive and does not prevent exploitation.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAS-004 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More CAS-004 practice questions
- An organization is implementing a zero trust architecture (ZTA). The security architect proposes using a software-define…
- A security architect is planning the migration of a legacy application to a containerized microservices architecture on…
- An organization is deploying a new wireless network for employees and guests. The security policy requires that all wire…
- A security architect is evaluating cloud security architectures. The company requires that all data at rest in a public…
- A security architect is designing a zero-trust network architecture for a hybrid cloud environment. The company uses on-…
- A security architect is reviewing the network security controls for a critical industrial control system (ICS) environme…
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-004 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.