- A
Apply the patch immediately regardless of impact
Why wrong: Patching without testing could cause downtime.
- B
Disable the server until a patch is available
Why wrong: Disabling may be too drastic if controls mitigate the risk.
- C
Perform a risk assessment considering compensating controls
WAF and network segmentation reduce risk; a risk assessment determines the urgency.
- D
Ignore the finding because the server is internal
Why wrong: Internal servers can still be attacked by insiders or via lateral movement.
Question 315 of 1,000
CS0-003 Security Operations Practice Question
This CS0-003 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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 vulnerability scan of an internal web server shows a critical vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8. The server is behind a WAF and is only accessible from internal IPs. Which of the following is the best next step?
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
✓
Perform a risk assessment considering compensating controls
CVSS score reflects severity but not exploitability in the specific environment. Considering compensating controls (WAF, network ACLs) may reduce risk, so a risk assessment is needed before patching.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Apply the patch immediately regardless of impact
Why it's wrong here
Patching without testing could cause downtime.
- ✗
Disable the server until a patch is available
Why it's wrong here
Disabling may be too drastic if controls mitigate the risk.
- ✓
Perform a risk assessment considering compensating controls
Why this is correct
WAF and network segmentation reduce risk; a risk assessment determines the urgency.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Ignore the finding because the server is internal
Why it's wrong here
Internal servers can still be attacked by insiders or via lateral movement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CS0-003 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CS0-003 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Perform a risk assessment considering compensating controls — CVSS score reflects severity but not exploitability in the specific environment. Considering compensating controls (WAF, network ACLs) may reduce risk, so a risk assessment is needed before patching.
What should I do if I get this CS0-003 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related CS0-003 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CS0-003 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 CS0-003 exam.
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