Quick Answer
The answer is software composition analysis integrated into the CI/CD pipeline. This control is correct because it automatically scans all application dependencies against known vulnerability databases like the NVD and OSS Index, directly addressing the need to find vulnerable open-source libraries before deployment. By embedding SCA into the build process, the team enforces a shift-left security principle, catching issues at the earliest possible stage rather than after release. On the CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003 exam, this question tests your understanding of secure software development lifecycle controls, often appearing alongside traps like static application security testing (SAST) or manual code review—remember that SAST scans custom code, not third-party libraries. For stakeholder management, keep the program defensible by documenting the SCA policy and obtaining formal approval from the security or risk committee, ensuring compliance with organizational risk appetite. A helpful memory tip: SCA = “Scan Components Always” before deployment.
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. A key principle to apply: sCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components.. 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 development team wants to find vulnerable open-source libraries before deployment. Which control best fits this stage? For stakeholder management, Which documentation or approval is required to keep the programme defensible?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Database transaction log backups
Why wrong: Backups do not identify vulnerable libraries.
Software composition analysis in the CI/CD pipeline
SCA identifies vulnerable third-party dependencies and can gate builds before release.
Physical badge access reviews
Why wrong: Badge reviews do not assess software components.
Wireless spectrum analysis
Why wrong: Spectrum analysis is unrelated to application dependencies.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Software composition analysis in the CI/CD pipeline
Software composition analysis (SCA) is the correct control because it automatically scans the application's dependencies against known vulnerability databases (e.g., NVD, OSS Index) to identify vulnerable open-source libraries. Integrating SCA into the CI/CD pipeline ensures vulnerabilities are caught before deployment, aligning with the 'shift left' security principle. This is the only option that directly addresses the need to find vulnerable open-source libraries at the build stage.
Key principle: SCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Database transaction log backups
Why it's wrong here
Backups do not identify vulnerable libraries.
Software composition analysis in the CI/CD pipeline
Why this is correct
SCA identifies vulnerable third-party dependencies and can gate builds before release.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
SCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components.
Physical badge access reviews
Why it's wrong here
Badge reviews do not assess software components.
Wireless spectrum analysis
Why it's wrong here
Spectrum analysis is unrelated to application dependencies.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between vulnerability scanning (SCA) and unrelated operational controls (backups, physical security) to see if candidates understand that each control serves a specific domain within vulnerability management.
Detailed technical explanation
SCA tools work by generating a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) from the project's dependency manifest files (e.g., pom.xml, package.json, requirements.txt) and cross-referencing each component with the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) using CVE identifiers. A subtle behavior is that SCA can detect transitive dependencies—libraries pulled in by direct dependencies—which are often overlooked but can introduce critical vulnerabilities. In a real-world scenario, the Log4Shell vulnerability (CVE-2021-44228) was widely caught by SCA tools scanning for the affected library version in CI/CD pipelines before deployment.
Key takeaway
SCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components.
Real-world example
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
Review sCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components., then practise related CS0-003 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Vulnerability Management — This question tests Vulnerability Management — SCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components..
The correct answer is: Software composition analysis in the CI/CD pipeline — Software composition analysis (SCA) is the correct control because it automatically scans the application's dependencies against known vulnerability databases (e.g., NVD, OSS Index) to identify vulnerable open-source libraries. Integrating SCA into the CI/CD pipeline ensures vulnerabilities are caught before deployment, aligning with the 'shift left' security principle. This is the only option that directly addresses the need to find vulnerable open-source libraries at the build stage.
Review sCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components., then practise related CS0-003 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
SCA identifies known vulnerabilities in third-party and open-source components.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A development team wants to find vulnerable open-source libraries before deployment. Which control best fits this stage? For tool configuration, Which scanner or pipeline change most directly improves result quality?
hardWhy C: Software composition analysis (SCA) is the correct control because it specifically scans open-source libraries for known vulnerabilities (CVEs) and license compliance issues. Integrating SCA into the CI/CD pipeline ensures that vulnerable dependencies are detected automatically before code is deployed, enabling early remediation without manual overhead.
Variation 2. A development team wants to find vulnerable open-source libraries before deployment. Which control best fits this stage? For validation, Which action should be taken before closing or downgrading the finding?
hardWhy C: Software composition analysis (SCA) is the correct control because it specifically scans open-source libraries and their dependencies for known vulnerabilities (CVEs) and license compliance issues. Integrating SCA into the CI/CD pipeline ensures that vulnerable libraries are identified automatically before the code is deployed, aligning with the shift-left security principle.
Variation 3. A development team wants to find vulnerable open-source libraries before deployment. Which control best fits this stage? For control selection, Which control best addresses the stated weakness without hiding risk?
hardWhy D: Software composition analysis (SCA) is the correct control because it automatically scans the project's dependencies against known vulnerability databases (e.g., NVD, GitHub Advisory Database) to identify vulnerable open-source libraries before deployment. Integrating SCA into the CI/CD pipeline ensures that vulnerabilities are caught early in the development lifecycle, aligning with the shift-left security principle without suppressing or masking risk.
Variation 4. A development team wants to find vulnerable open-source libraries before deployment. Which control best fits this stage? For business prioritization, Which recommendation gives the best risk-based order of work?
hardWhy D: Software Composition Analysis (SCA) is the correct control because it specifically scans open-source libraries for known vulnerabilities (CVEs) and license compliance issues. Integrating SCA into the CI/CD pipeline ensures vulnerabilities are detected and blocked before the code is deployed, aligning with the 'shift left' security principle. This directly addresses the team's goal of finding vulnerable open-source libraries pre-deployment.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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