Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A file-sharing portal uses a download URL like /download?file=12345. A tester changes the value to 12346 and can access another department's document without logging in again. Which control most directly prevents this issue?
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
Best answer
Implement server-side authorization checks for every object request.
Server-side authorization ensures the application verifies that the current user is allowed to access the specific object requested. This directly stops insecure direct object reference issues because changing the identifier alone no longer grants access. The check must happen on the server for every request, not in the browser.
B
Distractor review
Make the identifier longer so users cannot guess nearby values.
Longer identifiers may reduce guessing, but they do not fix the missing access control decision.
C
Distractor review
Move the portal to HTTPS so request parameters cannot be intercepted.
HTTPS protects data in transit, but it does not stop an authenticated user from changing object IDs.
D
Distractor review
Store the document name in a hidden field and validate it in JavaScript.
Client-side checks are easy to bypass and should not be trusted for authorization decisions.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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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
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Question 3
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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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement server-side authorization checks for every object request. — The core problem is that the application trusts a user-controlled object identifier without checking whether the requesting user is authorized to access that object. Server-side authorization on every request fixes the flaw by binding access to the authenticated user's permissions. Guess-resistant identifiers help only a little, and browser-side controls are not a security boundary. Why others are wrong: Making the identifier longer only reduces predictability; it does not enforce authorization. HTTPS protects against interception but does not stop object swapping by a logged-in user. Hidden fields and JavaScript validation are client-side controls, which attackers can manipulate before the request reaches the server. The missing server-side access check is the real issue.
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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