- A
Validating input with allowlists
Why wrong: Allowlist validation is a secure practice.
- B
Concatenating user input directly into SQL queries
Correct: leads to SQL injection vulnerabilities.
- C
Using parameterized queries for database operations
Why wrong: Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection, so this is secure.
- D
Storing plaintext credentials in configuration files
Correct: hardcoded credentials can be easily extracted.
- E
Using prepared statements in SQL
Why wrong: This is secure against SQL injection.
Question 114 of 1,000
PT0-002 Tools and Code Analysis Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code analysis. 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 tester is reviewing source code for security vulnerabilities. Which TWO of the following are examples of insecure coding practices that often lead to critical vulnerabilities?
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
✓
Concatenating user input directly into SQL queries
Option B is correct because directly concatenating user input into SQL queries creates SQL injection vulnerabilities. An attacker can inject malicious SQL code through the input, which the database server will execute, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification, or deletion. This is a classic insecure coding practice that bypasses any input validation if not properly sanitized.
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.
- ✗
Validating input with allowlists
Why it's wrong here
Allowlist validation is a secure practice.
- ✓
Concatenating user input directly into SQL queries
Why this is correct
Correct: leads to SQL injection vulnerabilities.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Using parameterized queries for database operations
Why it's wrong here
Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection, so this is secure.
- ✓
Storing plaintext credentials in configuration files
Why this is correct
Correct: hardcoded credentials can be easily extracted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Using prepared statements in SQL
Why it's wrong here
This is secure against SQL injection.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse secure practices (like parameterized queries or allowlists) with insecure ones, or fail to recognize that storing plaintext credentials is a critical vulnerability because it exposes secrets if the configuration file is accessed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQL injection exploits the lack of distinction between code and data in dynamically constructed SQL strings. For example, if user input is concatenated into a query like "SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '" + input + "'", an attacker can input ' OR '1'='1 to bypass authentication. Parameterized queries, on the other hand, send the SQL statement and parameters separately to the database, ensuring that user input is always treated as data, not executable code.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
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Tools and Code Analysis — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Concatenating user input directly into SQL queries — Option B is correct because directly concatenating user input into SQL queries creates SQL injection vulnerabilities. An attacker can inject malicious SQL code through the input, which the database server will execute, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification, or deletion. This is a classic insecure coding practice that bypasses any input validation if not properly sanitized.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PT0-002 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 PT0-002 exam.
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