Quick Answer
The correct choice is business logic flaws because parameterized queries only prevent SQL injection by separating code from data, leaving the application’s design and workflow vulnerabilities untouched. Business logic flaws exploitation targets the intended functionality of the application—such as manipulating pricing, bypassing authentication steps, or abusing transaction sequences—which secure coding practices like parameterized queries cannot mitigate. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between input-based attacks and design-level weaknesses; a common trap is assuming parameterized queries protect against all web attacks. Remember the memory tip: “Queries block injection, not intention”—meaning parameterized queries stop injected code but not the abuse of the application’s own intended logic.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of attacks and exploits. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 penetration tester is targeting a web application that uses parameterized queries for all database interactions. Which attack vector is most likely to succeed?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Cross-site request forgery
Why wrong: CSRF is about forging requests, not query parameterization.
SQL injection
Why wrong: Parameterized queries prevent SQLi.
Cross-site scripting
Why wrong: XSS is possible but not directly related to parameterized queries.
Business logic flaws
Parameterized queries do not protect against logic flaws such as manipulating pricing or access controls.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Business logic flaws
Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating SQL code from user input, making option B ineffective. Business logic flaws (D) are vulnerabilities in the application's design or workflow that are not mitigated by secure coding practices like parameterized queries, so they remain exploitable. This attack vector targets the intended functionality of the application, such as manipulating pricing or bypassing authentication steps, which parameterized queries do not protect against.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Cross-site request forgery
Why it's wrong here
CSRF is about forging requests, not query parameterization.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
Parameterized queries prevent SQLi.
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
XSS is possible but not directly related to parameterized queries.
Business logic flaws
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries do not protect against logic flaws such as manipulating pricing or access controls.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates assume parameterized queries eliminate all database-related attacks, overlooking that business logic flaws are independent of query construction and remain a viable attack vector.
Detailed technical explanation
Business logic flaws often involve race conditions, improper state transitions, or flawed validation of multi-step processes. For example, an e-commerce application might use parameterized queries for checkout but fail to verify that a user's discount code applies only once, allowing repeated use. Under the hood, these flaws stem from incomplete assumptions about user behavior or system state, not from insecure database access patterns.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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Attacks and Exploits — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Attacks and Exploits — This question tests Attacks and Exploits — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Business logic flaws — Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating SQL code from user input, making option B ineffective. Business logic flaws (D) are vulnerabilities in the application's design or workflow that are not mitigated by secure coding practices like parameterized queries, so they remain exploitable. This attack vector targets the intended functionality of the application, such as manipulating pricing or bypassing authentication steps, which parameterized queries do not protect against.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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