Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A file-conversion API accepts a URL to generate a preview image. An attacker submits a URL for the cloud metadata service at 169.254.169.254 and receives instance credentials in the preview output. What attack is this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
SQL injection
SQL injection targets backend database queries, but this request is abusing the server's ability to fetch a URL.
B
Best answer
Server-side request forgery
Server-side request forgery occurs when an attacker tricks a server into making an unintended request to an internal or privileged resource.
C
Distractor review
Cross-site request forgery
CSRF forces a victim's browser to send a request, but this attack uses the server itself to access the metadata endpoint.
D
Distractor review
Command injection
Command injection would require the application to pass attacker input into a shell command, which is not the key clue here.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Server-side request forgery — This is server-side request forgery because the attacker is manipulating the application into making a request on the attacker’s behalf. The metadata service address is a common clue in cloud environments, since those endpoints can expose sensitive instance information if the application is allowed to reach them. The attacker is not directly requesting the credentials from the metadata service; the vulnerable server is making the request and returning the result. Why others are wrong: SQL injection is about manipulating database queries, not fetching remote URLs. CSRF relies on a victim browser with an authenticated session; here the application server is the one making the request. Command injection would involve shell metacharacters and operating system commands, which are not shown in the URL-fetching behavior.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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