The correct answer is that the most significant security concern is the database password being stored in plaintext. This is a critical vulnerability because a plaintext password in a config file means anyone who gains read access to that file—whether through a misconfigured server, a malicious insider, or a successful exploit—can immediately extract credentials and connect directly to the database, bypassing all authentication controls. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of fundamental security principles like least privilege and the OWASP Top 10, specifically Identification and Authentication Failures. A common trap is focusing on other issues like weak encryption elsewhere, but the direct exposure of credentials in readable form is the most urgent risk. Remember the mnemonic: “Plaintext password is a plain disaster”—if you see a password written out in a file, that’s always the top red flag.
FC0-U61 Applications and Software Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of applications and software. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Application Configuration:
<appSettings>
<add key="DatabaseConnection" value="Server=prod01;Database=SalesDB;User Id=sa;Password=Passw0rd;" />
<add key="LogLevel" value="Debug" />
</appSettings>
Refer to the exhibit. A security auditor reviews this application configuration. What is the most significant security concern?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The database password is stored in plaintext.
Option C is correct because storing a database password in plaintext within an application configuration file is a critical security vulnerability. If an attacker gains access to the file, they can immediately read the credentials and connect to the database, potentially compromising all stored data. This violates fundamental security principles such as least privilege and defense in depth, and it is explicitly warned against in secure coding guidelines like OWASP's Top 10 (A07:2021 – Identification and Authentication Failures).
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.
✗
The server name is hardcoded.
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoded server names are not a security concern; they are often necessary.
✗
The log level is set to Debug.
Why it's wrong here
Debug logging may reveal information but not as critical as a plaintext password.
✓
The database password is stored in plaintext.
Why this is correct
Plaintext passwords can be easily read by anyone with file access, leading to unauthorized database access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The database name is SalesDB.
Why it's wrong here
The database name is not sensitive information.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may focus on the 'Debug' log level (Option B) as a security risk due to verbosity, but the plaintext password (Option C) represents a direct, high-impact credential exposure that is far more critical.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In practice, plaintext passwords in configuration files are often exploited via path traversal, misconfigured web servers, or source code repository leaks (e.g., .git exposure). Secure alternatives include using environment variables, encrypted secrets (e.g., Azure Key Vault, AWS Secrets Manager), or hashed credentials with a secure key derivation function. Even in a local development environment, this practice can lead to credential theft if the file is accidentally committed to a public repository.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Applications and Software — This question tests Applications and Software — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The database password is stored in plaintext. — Option C is correct because storing a database password in plaintext within an application configuration file is a critical security vulnerability. If an attacker gains access to the file, they can immediately read the credentials and connect to the database, potentially compromising all stored data. This violates fundamental security principles such as least privilege and defense in depth, and it is explicitly warned against in secure coding guidelines like OWASP's Top 10 (A07:2021 – Identification and Authentication Failures).
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 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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