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CAS-004 Practice Question: A security analyst reviews a web application that…
A security analyst reviews a web application that accepts user-supplied data to generate PDF reports. The application uses a legacy library that directly inserts user input into SQL queries and also includes user input in the PDF generation without sanitization. Which is the most effective countermeasure?
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
✓
Use parameterized queries and output encoding
Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating SQL logic from user input, and output encoding prevents injection in PDF generation by ensuring user input is treated as data, not executable code. Option B (HTTPS/HSTS) only encrypts in transit and does not prevent injection attacks. Option C (WAF) can be bypassed and does not address the root cause. Option D (SIEM) only logs events, not prevents them.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use parameterized queries and output encoding
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection; output encoding prevents XSS in PDF output.
- ✗
Enable HTTPS and HSTS
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS only protects data in transit, not against injection attacks.
- ✗
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious input
Why it's wrong here
A WAF can be bypassed with crafted payloads and does not fix the root cause.
- ✗
Deploy a SIEM to log all database queries and PDF generation events
Why it's wrong here
Logging only provides visibility, not prevention.
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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.