- A
Re-image the server with a hardened operating system
Why wrong: Re-imaging is a lengthy process and does not specifically address the Apache Struts vulnerability; it may also introduce other issues.
- B
Implement a virtual patch via web application firewall (WAF) rules
A virtual patch blocks the exploit at the network layer, providing immediate protection while allowing time for proper patching.
- C
Shut down the vulnerable server until a patch can be tested
Why wrong: Shutting down the server would eliminate the vulnerability but also disrupt the service, which is often unacceptable for critical systems.
- D
Apply the vendor patch immediately during business hours
Why wrong: Applying patches without prior testing in a production environment may cause instability and downtime.
CS0-003 Vulnerability Management Practice Question
This CS0-003 practice question tests your understanding of vulnerability management. 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.
A company uses a mix of Windows and Linux servers. The vulnerability scanner reports a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Apache Struts (CVE-2017-5638) on a web server located in the DMZ. This server is behind a load balancer with an identical twin server that does not appear vulnerable. The security team needs to implement immediate remediation while minimizing downtime. What should the analyst do?
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 a virtual patch via web application firewall (WAF) rules
Option B is correct because implementing a virtual patch via WAF rules can immediately block exploitation attempts against CVE-2017-5638 (Apache Struts) without modifying the server or taking it offline. The WAF inspects HTTP requests for malicious Content-Type headers used in the exploit and drops them, providing protection while the identical twin server remains unaffected and the vulnerable server can be patched later with minimal downtime.
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.
- ✗
Re-image the server with a hardened operating system
Why it's wrong here
Re-imaging is a lengthy process and does not specifically address the Apache Struts vulnerability; it may also introduce other issues.
- ✓
Implement a virtual patch via web application firewall (WAF) rules
Why this is correct
A virtual patch blocks the exploit at the network layer, providing immediate protection while allowing time for proper patching.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Shut down the vulnerable server until a patch can be tested
Why it's wrong here
Shutting down the server would eliminate the vulnerability but also disrupt the service, which is often unacceptable for critical systems.
- ✗
Apply the vendor patch immediately during business hours
Why it's wrong here
Applying patches without prior testing in a production environment may cause instability and downtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may choose immediate patching (Option D) without considering the requirement to minimize downtime, or they may choose shutdown (Option C) thinking it's the safest, but the scenario explicitly prioritizes uptime over a full patch cycle.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CVE-2017-5638 exploits the Jakarta Multipart parser in Apache Struts 2 by sending a crafted Content-Type header with OGNL (Object-Graph Navigation Language) injection, allowing arbitrary code execution. A WAF virtual patch works by inspecting HTTP headers at layer 7, blocking requests containing patterns like '%{(#_' or 'ognl' in the Content-Type field, without touching the server's configuration. In real-world scenarios, virtual patching is often used for legacy systems where vendor patches are unavailable or cannot be applied quickly, but it must be carefully tuned to avoid false positives on legitimate multipart uploads.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CS0-003 question test?
Vulnerability Management — This question tests Vulnerability Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a virtual patch via web application firewall (WAF) rules — Option B is correct because implementing a virtual patch via WAF rules can immediately block exploitation attempts against CVE-2017-5638 (Apache Struts) without modifying the server or taking it offline. The WAF inspects HTTP requests for malicious Content-Type headers used in the exploit and drops them, providing protection while the identical twin server remains unaffected and the vulnerable server can be patched later with minimal downtime.
What should I do if I get this CS0-003 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This CS0-003 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 CS0-003 exam.
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