easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A web application generates an Ansible playbook…
Exhibit
input_user = request.args.get('user')
playbook = """
- hosts: all
tasks:
- name: Greet {{ user }}
debug:
msg: "Hello {{ user }}"
""".replace('{{ user }}', input_user)A web application generates an Ansible playbook from user input as shown. What is the primary security risk?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA CASP+ often tests the distinction between generic injection types (SQL, LDAP) and technology-specific injection (Ansible modules, PowerShell, Terraform HCL), so candidates mistakenly choose a familiar injection type instead of recognizing the automation framework context.
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
✓
The user input could be crafted to execute arbitrary Ansible modules.
The application directly incorporates user input into an Ansible playbook without sanitization or validation. An attacker can inject arbitrary YAML or Ansible module directives (e.g., `shell`, `command`, `raw`) to execute unauthorized commands on managed hosts. This is a classic injection vulnerability specific to automation frameworks, not a generic injection type.
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 application is vulnerable to SQL injection.
Why it's wrong here
There is no database interaction in this context.
- ✓
The user input could be crafted to execute arbitrary Ansible modules.
Why this is correct
YAML injection can lead to arbitrary module execution, compromising hosts.
- ✗
The application is vulnerable to LDAP injection.
Why it's wrong here
LDAP is not involved.
- ✗
The playbook may fail to run if input contains special characters.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the primary risk is injection, not just failure.
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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.