- A
Cross-site scripting
This is cross-site scripting because attacker-supplied script code is stored and then executed when other users view the content. The dangerous part is that the payload is delivered through a trusted website and runs in the victim's browser. Stored XSS is a common issue in profiles, comments, and forums.
- B
Command injection
Why wrong: Command injection targets operating system commands on a server, not script execution inside a browser. This scenario describes browser-side code running for other users.
- C
CSRF
Why wrong: Cross-site request forgery tricks a logged-in user into performing an action they did not intend. Here, the attack injects active script content instead of forcing a request.
- D
Broken authentication
Why wrong: Broken authentication involves weaknesses in login or session handling. The vulnerability here is unsafe input being displayed and executed, not a login flaw.
Quick Answer
The answer is stored cross-site scripting (XSS). This is correct because the malicious script is permanently saved on the server—in this case, within a user’s profile signature—and later executed in the browsers of any other user who views that profile, making it a classic stored XSS attack example. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish stored XSS from reflected or DOM-based XSS; the key clue is that the payload persists on the server and affects multiple victims without requiring a crafted link. A common trap is confusing stored XSS with reflected XSS, but remember: if the script is stored and served to all visitors, it’s stored XSS. Memory tip: “Stored = Server saves the script, so it strikes every visitor.”
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. 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 forum lets users save a profile signature. One user enters a string containing script code, and later other users who view that profile see the script run in their browsers. What attack is this?
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
Cross-site scripting
This is a classic stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack. The malicious script is permanently stored on the server (in the user's profile signature) and executed in the browsers of any other user who views that profile. The attack exploits the forum's failure to sanitize user input before rendering it in HTML, allowing arbitrary JavaScript to run in the victim's session context.
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.
- ✓
Cross-site scripting
Why this is correct
This is cross-site scripting because attacker-supplied script code is stored and then executed when other users view the content. The dangerous part is that the payload is delivered through a trusted website and runs in the victim's browser. Stored XSS is a common issue in profiles, comments, and forums.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Command injection
Why it's wrong here
Command injection targets operating system commands on a server, not script execution inside a browser. This scenario describes browser-side code running for other users.
- ✗
CSRF
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site request forgery tricks a logged-in user into performing an action they did not intend. Here, the attack injects active script content instead of forcing a request.
- ✗
Broken authentication
Why it's wrong here
Broken authentication involves weaknesses in login or session handling. The vulnerability here is unsafe input being displayed and executed, not a login flaw.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse stored XSS with reflected XSS or CSRF, but the key distinction is that the payload is permanently stored on the server and executed for every viewer, not just the attacker or a single victim.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Command injection targets operating system commands on a server, not script execution inside a browser. This scenario describes browser-side code running for other users.
Scenario analysis trap
Command injection targets operating system commands on a server, not script execution inside a browser. This scenario describes browser-side code running for other users.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Stored XSS (also called persistent XSS) occurs when user-supplied data is saved by the server and later reflected in a web page without proper encoding or sanitization. In this scenario, the signature field likely accepts HTML or JavaScript without filtering tags like <script> or event handlers (e.g., onmouseover). A real-world example is the 2005 Samy worm on MySpace, which used stored XSS in profile fields to propagate itself to millions of users within hours.
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 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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cross-site scripting — This is a classic stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack. The malicious script is permanently stored on the server (in the user's profile signature) and executed in the browsers of any other user who views that profile. The attack exploits the forum's failure to sanitize user input before rendering it in HTML, allowing arbitrary JavaScript to run in the victim's session context.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 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: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
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