The correct actions are rotating credentials exposed to the compromised web server and removing the web shell while closing the exploited vulnerability. Rotating credentials is critical because any passwords, API keys, or service accounts accessible from the compromised server are now in the attacker’s hands, allowing them to pivot or persist even after the shell is gone. Removing the web shell eliminates the attacker’s immediate foothold, and closing the vulnerability—such as patching a CMS plugin or disabling dangerous functions like `eval()`—prevents re-exploitation. On the CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003 exam, this tests your understanding of the eradication phase in incident response, which focuses on fully removing artifacts and hardening the system, not just containment. A common trap is confusing eradication with containment or recovery; remember, eradication is about permanent removal and credential rotation, not just isolating the server. Memory tip: “Eradicate and rotate—don’t just isolate.”
CS0-003 Incident Response and Management Practice Question
This CS0-003 practice question tests your understanding of incident response and management. 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.
Which actions belong in eradication after a confirmed web-shell compromise? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remove the web shell and close the exploited vulnerability
Option A is correct because removing the web shell eliminates the attacker's foothold, and closing the exploited vulnerability (e.g., patching the application, disabling vulnerable functions like `eval()` or `system()`, or updating a CMS plugin) prevents re-exploitation. This aligns with the eradication phase of incident response, which aims to remove all artifacts of the compromise and harden the system against the same attack vector.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Remove the web shell and close the exploited vulnerability
Why this is correct
Both malicious artefact and entry path must be addressed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reconnect the server before checking persistence
Why it's wrong here
Premature reconnection risks renewed compromise.
✓
Rotate credentials exposed to the compromised web server
Why this is correct
Server compromise may expose application or service credentials.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Only block the analyst's IP address
Why it's wrong here
Blocking the analyst does not remove the attacker's access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between containment (e.g., isolating the server) and eradication (e.g., removing the threat and fixing the root cause), so candidates may mistakenly choose actions that only contain the incident rather than fully eliminate the attacker's access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Web shells often leverage server-side scripting (e.g., PHP, ASP.NET, JSP) to execute commands via HTTP POST/GET parameters. Eradication must include scanning for file system changes (e.g., using `stat` or `tripwire`), checking for unexpected processes (e.g., `ps aux`), and reviewing logs (e.g., Apache `access.log` or IIS `W3SVC` logs) for indicators of compromise. In a real-world scenario, failing to rotate credentials (option C) could allow lateral movement if the web shell exfiltrated database connection strings or service account passwords.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CS0-003 question in full detail.
Incident Response and Management — This question tests Incident Response and Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the web shell and close the exploited vulnerability — Option A is correct because removing the web shell eliminates the attacker's foothold, and closing the exploited vulnerability (e.g., patching the application, disabling vulnerable functions like `eval()` or `system()`, or updating a CMS plugin) prevents re-exploitation. This aligns with the eradication phase of incident response, which aims to remove all artifacts of the compromise and harden the system against the same attack vector.
What should I do if I get this CS0-003 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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