- A
The internal test server issue, because test systems are always higher risk.
Why wrong: Internal test systems are not automatically the highest priority, especially when the other issue is critical and exposed to the internet.
- B
The VPN appliance issue, because it is critical and publicly exploitable.
An internet-facing critical vulnerability with available exploit code presents a much higher likelihood of real-world compromise and should be prioritized first.
- C
Both issues at the same time without assigning a priority.
Why wrong: Teams should still prioritize remediation based on exposure, severity, and exploitability so limited resources are used on the greatest risk first.
- D
Neither issue, because scanners can produce false positives.
Why wrong: False positives are possible, but a critical external vulnerability with exploit code should be validated and addressed urgently, not ignored.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 scan finds two issues: a critical vulnerability on an internet-facing VPN appliance with public exploit code, and a medium-severity issue on an internal test server. Which should be fixed first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
The VPN appliance issue, because it is critical and publicly exploitable.
The VPN appliance issue should be fixed first because it is a critical vulnerability on an internet-facing system with publicly available exploit code. This combination means an attacker can directly compromise the appliance from the internet with minimal effort, leading to potential network breach and lateral movement. In contrast, the internal test server is less accessible and poses a lower immediate risk, even though it should still be addressed in due course.
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.
- ✗
The internal test server issue, because test systems are always higher risk.
Why it's wrong here
Internal test systems are not automatically the highest priority, especially when the other issue is critical and exposed to the internet.
- ✓
The VPN appliance issue, because it is critical and publicly exploitable.
Why this is correct
An internet-facing critical vulnerability with available exploit code presents a much higher likelihood of real-world compromise and should be prioritized first.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Both issues at the same time without assigning a priority.
Why it's wrong here
Teams should still prioritize remediation based on exposure, severity, and exploitability so limited resources are used on the greatest risk first.
- ✗
Neither issue, because scanners can produce false positives.
Why it's wrong here
False positives are possible, but a critical external vulnerability with exploit code should be validated and addressed urgently, not ignored.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume all vulnerabilities must be fixed in order of severity alone, ignoring the critical factor of asset exposure and exploitability, which CompTIA emphasizes in risk-based prioritization.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A critical vulnerability with public exploit code on an internet-facing VPN appliance typically allows remote code execution (RCE) without authentication, as seen in CVEs like CVE-2023-46805 (Ivanti Connect Secure). The CVSS score for such vulnerabilities often exceeds 9.0, and the existence of Metasploit modules or PoC scripts reduces the attacker's skill barrier to near zero. In contrast, a medium-severity issue on an internal test server might require local access or chained attacks, making it far less likely to be exploited in the short term.
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: The VPN appliance issue, because it is critical and publicly exploitable. — The VPN appliance issue should be fixed first because it is a critical vulnerability on an internet-facing system with publicly available exploit code. This combination means an attacker can directly compromise the appliance from the internet with minimal effort, leading to potential network breach and lateral movement. In contrast, the internal test server is less accessible and poses a lower immediate risk, even though it should still be addressed in due course.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
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