- A
Disable detailed error messages to prevent information disclosure
Why wrong: Does not prevent SQL injection.
- B
Restrict the database account used by the application to least privilege
Limits potential damage.
- C
Patch the database management system to the latest version
Why wrong: Does not address the application vulnerability.
- D
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) rule to block SQL injection patterns
Can block attacks temporarily.
- E
Apply input validation and sanitization on the affected parameters
Reduces attack surface.
Question 945 of 1,000
PT0-002 Reporting and Communication Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of reporting and communication. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
During a penetration test, the tester discovers a critical SQL injection vulnerability. The client cannot deploy the full fix (parameterized queries) immediately due to legacy code. Which THREE actions should the tester recommend as compensating controls? (Choose three.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"immediately / without restart"Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
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
✓
Restrict the database account used by the application to least privilege
Compensating controls reduce risk while the full fix is pending. WAF rules, input validation, and restricted DB privileges are appropriate. Disabling error messages is not a direct compensating control, and patching the DBMS may not address the injection.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disable detailed error messages to prevent information disclosure
Why it's wrong here
Does not prevent SQL injection.
- ✓
Restrict the database account used by the application to least privilege
Why this is correct
Limits potential damage.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Patch the database management system to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
Does not address the application vulnerability.
- ✓
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) rule to block SQL injection patterns
Why this is correct
Can block attacks temporarily.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Apply input validation and sanitization on the affected parameters
Why this is correct
Reduces attack surface.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Reporting and Communication — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Reporting and Communication practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Reporting and Communication — This question tests Reporting and Communication — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Restrict the database account used by the application to least privilege — Compensating controls reduce risk while the full fix is pending. WAF rules, input validation, and restricted DB privileges are appropriate. Disabling error messages is not a direct compensating control, and patching the DBMS may not address the injection.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related PT0-002 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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