Quick Answer
The correct answer is cross-site scripting (XSS) via inline script injection because the Content Security Policy (CSP) misconfiguration includes the 'unsafe-inline' keyword within the script-src directive. This directive explicitly permits inline JavaScript, such as <script> tags or event handlers like onclick, to execute without being blocked, which directly undermines CSP’s core defense against XSS. While the policy restricts external scripts to the same origin and a trusted CDN, the presence of 'unsafe-inline' leaves the application wide open to stored, reflected, or DOM-based XSS attacks. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify CSP weaknesses that bypass security controls—a common trap where candidates focus only on external script sources and overlook inline script risks. A key memory tip: if you see 'unsafe-inline' in script-src, think “inline = injectable,” as it explicitly allows the very attack CSP is designed to prevent.
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a security review, you find that a web application uses a Content Security Policy (CSP) header with the value: 'default-src 'self'; script-src 'self' 'unsafe-inline' https://cdn.example.com;'. Which attack is the application still vulnerable to?
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why wrong: CSP does not directly prevent CSRF; CSRF is mitigated by anti-CSRF tokens.
SQL injection
Why wrong: CSP is a browser-side security mechanism and does not prevent server-side SQL injection.
Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack due to CDN inclusion
Why wrong: The CDN is over HTTPS, so MITM is not the primary vulnerability; 'unsafe-inline' is the issue.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Cross-site scripting (XSS) via inline script injection
Option B is correct because the CSP includes 'unsafe-inline' in the script-src directive, which explicitly allows inline scripts. This bypasses the primary protection CSP offers against XSS, as an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript directly into the HTML (e.g., via a <script> tag or event handler) without violating the policy. The 'self' source only restricts external scripts to the same origin, but inline scripts remain permitted, leaving the application vulnerable to stored, reflected, or DOM-based XSS attacks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
CSP does not directly prevent CSRF; CSRF is mitigated by anti-CSRF tokens.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
CSP is a browser-side security mechanism and does not prevent server-side SQL injection.
Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack due to CDN inclusion
Why it's wrong here
The CDN is over HTTPS, so MITM is not the primary vulnerability; 'unsafe-inline' is the issue.
Option-by-option analysis
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The CAS-004 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
Why this is wrong here
CSP does not directly prevent CSRF; CSRF is mitigated by anti-CSRF tokens.
Why this is wrong here
CSP is a browser-side security mechanism and does not prevent server-side SQL injection.
Why this is wrong here
The CDN is over HTTPS, so MITM is not the primary vulnerability; 'unsafe-inline' is the issue.
Analysis generated from the official CAS-004blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that CSP alone prevents all XSS, but the trap here is that 'unsafe-inline' explicitly disables CSP's inline script protection, making XSS via script injection still possible despite the policy.
Detailed technical explanation
CSP's script-src directive without 'unsafe-inline' relies on cryptographic nonces or hashes to allow specific inline scripts; the presence of 'unsafe-inline' overrides this mechanism per the CSP specification (W3C CSP Level 2). In a real-world scenario, an attacker exploiting a reflected XSS vulnerability in a search parameter could inject <script>alert('xss')</script>, and the browser would execute it because the policy permits inline execution. The 'default-src' acts as a fallback for other resource types (e.g., style-src, img-src), but script-src explicitly overrides it for scripts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
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FAQ
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — This question tests Application Environment, Configuration and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Cross-site scripting (XSS) via inline script injection — Option B is correct because the CSP includes 'unsafe-inline' in the script-src directive, which explicitly allows inline scripts. This bypasses the primary protection CSP offers against XSS, as an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript directly into the HTML (e.g., via a <script> tag or event handler) without violating the policy. The 'self' source only restricts external scripts to the same origin, but inline scripts remain permitted, leaving the application vulnerable to stored, reflected, or DOM-based XSS attacks.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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