- A
Cross-site scripting
Why wrong: Cross-site scripting injects script code into content viewed in a browser. A database error from a single quote points to a backend query issue instead.
- B
SQL injection
This is SQL injection because the application appears to concatenate unsanitized input into a database query. A single quote often breaks query syntax and reveals that user input is being interpreted as part of the SQL command. That is a common sign the application is vulnerable to injection attacks.
- C
Session hijacking
Why wrong: Session hijacking involves stealing or reusing a valid session token. The error shown here happens before session reuse and points to the database layer.
- D
Insecure deserialization
Why wrong: Insecure deserialization involves unsafe handling of serialized objects, often leading to logic abuse or code execution. That is not what the login form behavior suggests.
Quick Answer
The answer is SQL injection. This is correct because entering a single quote into a login form that directly concatenates user input into a database query will break the SQL syntax, causing a database error—this is the classic indicator of SQL injection detection via single quote error. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of input validation failures and how unsanitized user input can lead to query manipulation, often appearing in questions about web application vulnerabilities. A common trap is confusing this with cross-site scripting, but remember: a database error from a single quote points directly to SQLi, not client-side script injection. Memory tip: think of the single quote as a “key” that unlocks the database—if it breaks the query, the attacker can rewrite it.
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 login form sends user input directly into a database query. When a tester enters a single quote character, the application returns a database error. What attack is most likely?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
SQL injection
The application directly concatenates user input into a database query without sanitization. Entering a single quote breaks the SQL syntax, causing a database error, which is a classic indicator of SQL injection (SQLi). This vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the query structure and potentially extract or modify database contents.
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 it's wrong here
Cross-site scripting injects script code into content viewed in a browser. A database error from a single quote points to a backend query issue instead.
- ✓
SQL injection
Why this is correct
This is SQL injection because the application appears to concatenate unsanitized input into a database query. A single quote often breaks query syntax and reveals that user input is being interpreted as part of the SQL command. That is a common sign the application is vulnerable to injection attacks.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Session hijacking
Why it's wrong here
Session hijacking involves stealing or reusing a valid session token. The error shown here happens before session reuse and points to the database layer.
- ✗
Insecure deserialization
Why it's wrong here
Insecure deserialization involves unsafe handling of serialized objects, often leading to logic abuse or code execution. That is not what the login form behavior suggests.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the immediate error response with cross-site scripting (XSS), but the database error clearly indicates the injection is targeting the SQL layer, not the browser's DOM.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Session hijacking involves stealing or reusing a valid session token. The error shown here happens before session reuse and points to the database layer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQL injection exploits the lack of parameterized queries or prepared statements. When a single quote is inserted into a query like SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '$input', it prematurely closes the string literal, allowing the attacker to append additional SQL commands (e.g., OR '1'='1). Real-world attacks often use UNION-based or blind SQL injection to exfiltrate data even when errors are suppressed.
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: SQL injection — The application directly concatenates user input into a database query without sanitization. Entering a single quote breaks the SQL syntax, causing a database error, which is a classic indicator of SQL injection (SQLi). This vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the query structure and potentially extract or modify database contents.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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