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?
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.
Distractor review
Cross-site scripting
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.
Best answer
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.
Distractor review
Session hijacking
Session hijacking involves stealing or reusing a valid session token. The error shown here happens before session reuse and points to the database layer.
Distractor review
Insecure deserialization
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 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: SQL injection — The best answer is SQL injection because the application appears to build a database query directly from user input. A single quote often breaks the SQL syntax and causes a database error, which is a classic clue. This means the input is not being safely parameterized or validated before reaching the database layer. Why others are wrong: Cross-site scripting affects the browser through injected script, not a backend database query error. Session hijacking requires a stolen or reused session token, which is not present here. Insecure deserialization is about processing unsafe serialized data, which is unrelated to the login error described.
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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