CS0-003 Vulnerability Management Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing a vulnerability scan report and notices a plugin that identifies a critical vulnerability with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8. The CVSS vector string is AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Which attack vector is indicated?
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
✓
Network
AV:N indicates network attack vector, meaning the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without any physical or local access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Network
Why this is correct
AV:N (Attack Vector: Network) means the vulnerable component is bound to the network stack and the attacker's path to exploit lies through a routable network connection, potentially even across the internet, rather than requiring physical or local access. This is the highest-severity attack vector value because it maximizes the pool of potential attackers, contributing to this vulnerability's near-maximum CVSS base score of 9.8 alongside low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction.
- ✗
Adjacent network
Why it's wrong here
Adjacent Network (AV:A) describes vulnerabilities that can only be exploited from a device sharing the same physical or logical network segment, such as the same Bluetooth range, VLAN, or broadcast domain, rather than from an arbitrary point on a routable network. Because the vector string here specifies AV:N, not AV:A, the attacker is not constrained to a shared local segment and could reach the target remotely.
- ✗
Local
Why it's wrong here
Local (AV:L) requires the attacker to already have some form of local access to the vulnerable system, such as a shell session or the ability to run a malicious file locally, rather than reaching it purely over the network. The AV:N value in this vector string rules this out, since it explicitly indicates the vulnerability is exploitable across the network without any prior local foothold.
- ✗
Physical
Why it's wrong here
Physical (AV:P) is the most restrictive attack vector value, requiring the attacker to physically touch or be in close physical proximity to the vulnerable device, for example by connecting a malicious USB device. The vector string's AV:N component directly contradicts this, since it specifies network-based exploitation rather than requiring any physical interaction with the hardware.
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Network Traffic Analysis
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
Attack vector
An attack vector is the specific path or method a cyber attacker uses to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network.
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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.