Question 338 of 510

Application Environment, Configuration and Security →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is the /api location block lacks any access restrictions, exposing internal API services to unauthorized external access. This is the most critical security flaw because Nginx location directives inherit no default authentication or IP filtering; without explicit `allow/deny` rules or an authentication mechanism, the internal API endpoint becomes publicly reachable, directly violating the principle of least privilege. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify misconfigurations in reverse proxy setups, a common attack vector in API gateway deployments. A frequent trap is focusing on overly permissive SSL settings or logging omissions, but the exam emphasizes that an unprotected internal route is a direct data exposure risk. Memory tip: “No lock on the /api door means anyone can walk in.”

CAS-004 Practice Question: Application Environment, Configuration and Security

This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.

Exhibit

# nginx.conf
server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    ssl_certificate /etc/ssl/certs/server.crt;
    ssl_certificate_key /etc/ssl/private/server.key;
    location /admin {
        proxy_pass http://internal-admin:8080;
        allow 192.168.1.0/24;
        deny all;
    }
    location /api {
        proxy_pass http://internal-api:8080;
    }
}

Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst is reviewing the Nginx configuration. Which of the following is the most critical security flaw?

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Full question →

Exhibit

# nginx.conf
server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    ssl_certificate /etc/ssl/certs/server.crt;
    ssl_certificate_key /etc/ssl/private/server.key;
    location /admin {
        proxy_pass http://internal-admin:8080;
        allow 192.168.1.0/24;
        deny all;
    }
    location /api {
        proxy_pass http://internal-api:8080;
    }
}

A
The SSL certificate key file is readable by all users (assuming default permissions)
Why wrong: While important, the configuration does not show file permissions; it is not directly a flaw in the config.
B
The proxy_pass uses HTTP internally, which is not encrypted
Why wrong: Internal communication over HTTP is common and not a critical flaw; attackers already need access to the internal network.
C
The /api location does not have any access restrictions, exposing internal API
Without any allow/deny directives, the /api endpoint is accessible to anyone who can reach the server, which could include external attackers.
D
The /admin location restricts access by IP only, which can be bypassed by IP spoofing
Why wrong: IP-based restriction is a valid layer; spoofing is possible but less likely in internal networks.

Full breakdown with real-world 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 /api location does not have any access restrictions, exposing internal API

Option C is correct because the /api location has no access restrictions, potentially exposing internal API services to unauthorized external access. Option A is a concern but not directly indicated. Option B is partially true but IP restriction is a valid control; however, the lack of restriction on /api is more critical. Option D is common for internal traffic.

Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

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 SSL certificate key file is readable by all users (assuming default permissions)
Why it's wrong here
While important, the configuration does not show file permissions; it is not directly a flaw in the config.
✗
The proxy_pass uses HTTP internally, which is not encrypted
Why it's wrong here
Internal communication over HTTP is common and not a critical flaw; attackers already need access to the internal network.
✓
The /api location does not have any access restrictions, exposing internal API
Why this is correct
Without any allow/deny directives, the /api endpoint is accessible to anyone who can reach the server, which could include external attackers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The /admin location restricts access by IP only, which can be bypassed by IP spoofing
Why it's wrong here
IP-based restriction is a valid layer; spoofing is possible but less likely in internal networks.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

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.

Trap categories for this question

Command / output trap
While important, the configuration does not show file permissions; it is not directly a flaw in the config.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

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.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

Underline the problem statement mentally.
Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.

Key takeaway

Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

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

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this CAS-004 question test?

Application Environment, Configuration and Security — This question tests Application Environment, Configuration and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The /api location does not have any access restrictions, exposing internal API — Option C is correct because the /api location has no access restrictions, potentially exposing internal API services to unauthorized external access. Option A is a concern but not directly indicated. Option B is partially true but IP restriction is a valid control; however, the lack of restriction on /api is more critical. Option D is common for internal traffic.

What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

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