Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A Java-based internal portal accepts a serialized object during profile import. After a recent test upload, the server made outbound LDAP calls and created a new local account. What attack pattern best explains this behavior?
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, because the attacker likely altered a database query.
SQL injection targets database queries, but the scenario starts with serialized objects and leads to unexpected code behavior, which points away from a query-based attack.
B
Distractor review
Cross-site scripting, because the attacker could have injected script into the portal.
Cross-site scripting affects a user’s browser and session context. It does not normally explain server-side code execution, LDAP calls, and local account creation.
C
Best answer
Insecure deserialization, because a crafted object triggered unexpected server-side actions.
Insecure deserialization occurs when an application accepts untrusted serialized data and rebuilds it unsafely. That can allow an attacker to trigger code paths, remote lookups, or even command execution, which matches the LDAP activity and account creation.
D
Distractor review
CSRF, because the attacker may have forced an administrator to submit a form.
CSRF depends on a victim browser sending an authenticated request. The question instead describes malicious serialized input that alters server behavior directly, which is a different class of bug.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Insecure deserialization, because a crafted object triggered unexpected server-side actions. — Insecure deserialization is the correct answer because the application trusted a serialized object from an untrusted source and then performed unexpected server-side actions. Those actions, including LDAP activity and local account creation, show that the input influenced application logic beyond simple data storage. This attack pattern can lead to remote code execution when object constructors or handlers are abused. Why others are wrong: SQL injection requires manipulating a database query, which does not fit the serialized-object import path. Cross-site scripting is browser-side and would not explain server account creation. CSRF abuses a logged-in user’s browser to submit a request, but the problem here is unsafe object handling on the server itself.
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.
Discussion
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