Quick Answer
The correct answer is LDAP injection, because unsanitized user input directly incorporated into an LDAP query allows an attacker to manipulate the query’s filter logic, potentially bypassing authentication or extracting directory data. This vulnerability exploits the structure of LDAP statements, where special characters like parentheses, asterisks, and ampersands can alter the intended query when not properly escaped or validated. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish injection types by the backend technology—LDAP queries are vulnerable to LDAP injection, not SQL injection, which targets relational databases. A common trap is confusing LDAP injection with SQL injection when both involve query manipulation, but remember: LDAP uses distinguished names and filters, not SQL syntax. For a quick memory tip, think “LDAP = Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, so injection here targets directory services, not databases.”
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 assessment, a tester finds that a web application accepts user input and directly uses it in an LDAP query without sanitization. Which of the following attacks is most likely to be successful?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Cross-site scripting
Why wrong: XSS involves injecting scripts into web pages, not LDAP queries.
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection is specific to SQL databases, not LDAP directories.
Remote file inclusion
Why wrong: Remote file inclusion involves including remote files on the server, not LDAP injection.
LDAP injection
LDAP injection occurs when user input is improperly concatenated into LDAP queries.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
LDAP injection
Option C is correct because unsanitized input in an LDAP query leads to LDAP injection. Option A (SQL injection) applies to SQL queries. Option B (XSS) applies to output in web pages. Option D (remote file inclusion) is for file inclusion vulnerabilities.
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 scripting
Why it's wrong here
XSS involves injecting scripts into web pages, not LDAP queries.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection is specific to SQL databases, not LDAP directories.
Remote file inclusion
Why it's wrong here
Remote file inclusion involves including remote files on the server, not LDAP injection.
LDAP injection
Why this is correct
LDAP injection occurs when user input is improperly concatenated into LDAP queries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — study guide chapter
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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: LDAP injection — Option C is correct because unsanitized input in an LDAP query leads to LDAP injection. Option A (SQL injection) applies to SQL queries. Option B (XSS) applies to output in web pages. Option D (remote file inclusion) is for file inclusion vulnerabilities.
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CAS-004 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-004 exam.
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