easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CS0-003 Practice Question: A security analyst is conducting a vulnerability…
A security analyst is conducting a vulnerability assessment of a web application. The assessment reveals that the application is vulnerable to SQL injection. Which of the following is the MOST effective remediation?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a WAF is a sufficient fix for SQL injection, but the trap here is that a WAF is a compensating control, not a remediation—the question asks for the 'most effective remediation,' which must address the root cause in the code.
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
✓
Use parameterized queries in the application code
Parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) are the most effective remediation for SQL injection because they separate SQL logic from user-supplied data by using placeholders. The database engine treats the input strictly as data, not executable code, which prevents an attacker from altering the query structure. This addresses the root cause at the application layer, unlike other controls that only mitigate or detect the attack.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Upgrade the web application framework to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
Upgrading the web application framework primarily addresses vulnerabilities inherent to the framework itself or its bundled components. However, a custom SQL injection flaw typically originates from insecure coding practices within the application's unique business logic or data access layer, which operates independently of the framework version. Therefore, updating the framework alone would not inherently remediate a SQL injection vulnerability introduced by improperly constructed queries within the application's custom code.
- ✗
Deploy a web application firewall (WAF)
Why it's wrong here
Deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) acts as a perimeter defense, inspecting and filtering malicious traffic before it reaches the application. While a WAF can mitigate many SQL injection attempts by blocking known attack patterns, it is a compensating control rather than a direct remediation of the underlying code vulnerability. The flaw still exists within the application's logic, making the WAF a protective layer, not a permanent fix to the insecure coding practice.
- ✓
Use parameterized queries in the application code
Why this is correct
Using parameterized queries directly addresses the root cause of SQL injection by ensuring that user input is treated strictly as data, not as executable code. This method pre-compiles the SQL statement, defining placeholders for input values. When user data is then bound to these parameters, the database engine interprets it literally, preventing malicious characters from altering the query's structure and effectively eliminating SQL injection vulnerabilities.
- ✗
Implement client-side input validation
Why it's wrong here
Implementing client-side input validation, typically performed in the user's web browser, can improve user experience by providing immediate feedback and reducing unnecessary server requests. However, it is easily bypassed by disabling JavaScript, using browser developer tools, or directly sending requests to the server. Therefore, relying solely on client-side validation is insufficient for security purposes, as malicious actors can circumvent it to inject harmful data, including SQL injection payloads.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Vulnerability Scanning Techniques
Key term
Vulnerability
A vulnerability is a weakness in a system, network, or software that could be exploited by a threat to cause harm or unauthorized access.
Key term
Remediation
Remediation is the process of fixing or eliminating vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or security weaknesses in an IT environment.
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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.