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CAS-004 Practice Question: A security analyst at a large enterprise notices…
A security analyst at a large enterprise notices that several servers have missing security patches that are critical. The patch management process requires approval from the change advisory board (CAB) which meets weekly. The next meeting is in three days, but the vulnerability is being actively exploited. What should the analyst do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often assume 'patch immediately' (Option B) is always the correct security response, but the exam tests the understanding that governance processes like CAB approval must be respected unless an emergency change process is formally invoked, and compensating controls are the appropriate interim measure.
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
✓
Implement temporary compensating controls until the CAB approves.
When a critical vulnerability is being actively exploited, the security analyst must prioritize risk mitigation over standard change management processes. Implementing temporary compensating controls (e.g., network segmentation, host-based firewall rules, or disabling the vulnerable service) reduces the attack surface immediately while still seeking formal CAB approval for the permanent patch. This balances the need for rapid response with the enterprise's governance requirements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implement temporary compensating controls until the CAB approves.
Why this is correct
Compensating controls mitigate risk while following the change management process.
- ✗
Apply the patches immediately without waiting for CAB approval.
Why it's wrong here
Bypassing change control can lead to operational issues and is against policy.
- ✗
Notify the system owners and leave the decision to them.
Why it's wrong here
Notifying is insufficient; the analyst should take proactive steps.
- ✗
Document the issue and wait for the CAB meeting.
Why it's wrong here
Waiting three days while the vulnerability is exploited is unacceptable.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 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-005 exam.