CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
An organization's vulnerability management team discovers a critical vulnerability in a legacy application that cannot be patched because the vendor no longer supports it. The application is essential for business operations. Which of the following compensating controls would best reduce the risk of exploitation while maintaining functionality?
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 network segmentation and restrict access to the application
Network segmentation with strict firewall rules isolating the legacy application limits the attack surface and prevents lateral movement from compromised hosts. This is an effective compensating control when patching is not possible.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Apply a virtual patch using a web application firewall (WAF) rule
Why it's wrong here
WAF can mitigate web-based attacks but may not cover all vulnerability types if the application is not web-based.
- ✓
Implement network segmentation and restrict access to the application
Why this is correct
Segmentation limits exposure and reduces risk.
- ✗
Disable the application until a replacement is found
Why it's wrong here
Disabling would impact business operations, which is not the goal.
- ✗
Increase monitoring of the application without any access restrictions
Why it's wrong here
Monitoring alone does not prevent exploitation.
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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.