CS0-003 Vulnerability Management Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing vulnerability scan results and notices that a critical vulnerability on a web server has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Which component of the CVSS vector indicates that the vulnerability can be exploited from a remote network?
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
✓
AV:N
AV stands for Attack Vector. AV:N means the vulnerability is exploitable over a network, indicating remote exploitation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
PR:N
Why it's wrong here
The Privileges Required (PR) metric describes the level of authorization an attacker must possess before successfully exploiting the vulnerability. A value of PR:N (None) indicates that an unauthenticated attacker can execute the exploit, but this metric does not define the physical or logical path, such as network reachability, required to reach the target system.
- ✓
AV:N
Why this is correct
The Attack Vector (AV) metric represents the context in which vulnerability exploitation is possible. A value of AV:N (Network) explicitly indicates that the vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network, meaning the attacker does not need local, physical, or adjacent network access to compromise the target.
- ✗
AC:L
Why it's wrong here
Attack Complexity (AC) measures the conditions beyond the attacker's control that must exist in order to exploit the vulnerability. While AC:L (Low) signifies that the exploit can be executed consistently and easily without specialized conditions, it does not provide information regarding the network vector or remote accessibility of the vulnerable service.
- ✗
UI:N
Why it's wrong here
The User Interaction (UI) metric determines whether a human user must participate in some way, such as clicking a link or opening a file, for the exploit to succeed. Although UI:N (None) means the vulnerability can be exploited silently without any victim interaction, it remains entirely independent of the network reachability or attack vector requirements.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Security SLAs and SLOs
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.
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.
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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.