easyMultiple Choice
CS0-003 Practice Question: A DAST scan cannot reach authenticated pages of a…
A DAST scan cannot reach authenticated pages of a web application and reports only public content findings. What should be configured to enable the scan to test authenticated pages?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates think 'no findings' means the application is secure, but the CompTIA CySA+ exam tests the understanding that DAST results are only as good as the scope of pages the scanner can actually reach, and that authenticated scanning is mandatory for comprehensive testing.
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
✓
Authenticated scanning with a test account and session handling
DAST scanners require authenticated sessions to crawl and test pages behind login forms. Without session handling (e.g., cookies, tokens), the scanner only sees public content. Configuring authenticated scanning with a test account and proper session management (e.g., OWASP ZAP's session handling rules or Burp Suite's authentication pre-script) allows the scanner to maintain state and reach restricted pages, enabling full coverage of the application's attack surface.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Treat absence of findings as proof of security
Why it's wrong here
Unreached pages were not tested.
- ✓
Authenticated scanning with a test account and session handling
Why this is correct
DAST needs valid authentication and session management to test protected functionality.
- ✗
Reduce the scan to only the landing page
Why it's wrong here
That further limits coverage.
- ✗
Disable all application authentication
Why it's wrong here
This would change the application and create risk.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Supply Chain Attack Response
Key term
Attack surface
The attack surface is the total sum of all points in a system, network, or application where an unauthorized user can try to enter or extract data.
Key term
DAST
DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) is a security testing method that finds vulnerabilities in running web applications by simulating real attacks from the outside.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CS0-004 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 CS0-004 exam.