Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A scan of a web server hosting an internal help-desk portal reports these findings: `/var/www/uploads` is world-writable by the application account, PHP files in that directory are executed by Apache, and the app allows users to upload images without content-type validation. Which issue should be remediated first to most reduce the chance of remote code execution?
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
Outdated browser plug-in on an admin workstation, because it may expose users to drive-by attacks.
An outdated plug-in is a real risk, but it is not the most direct path to server-side remote code execution in this specific web application scenario.
B
Distractor review
Default SNMP community string on a printer in a separate VLAN, because it weakens network monitoring.
Default credentials on a printer are a security issue, but they are not the most immediate route to taking over the web server in the stem.
C
Best answer
World-writable executable upload path, because an attacker could upload or modify server-executable code in a web-accessible directory.
The world-writable, web-executable upload path is the most urgent issue because it creates a direct path to remote code execution. If an attacker can place or alter files in a directory that Apache executes, they may be able to run arbitrary server-side code. The lack of content-type validation increases the chance that a malicious payload will be accepted as a harmless file upload.
D
Distractor review
Missing disk encryption on a help-desk laptop, because stolen devices are a common breach source.
Missing disk encryption matters for lost or stolen endpoints, but it does not directly enable code execution on the web server described in the scenario.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
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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?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: World-writable executable upload path, because an attacker could upload or modify server-executable code in a web-accessible directory. — The world-writable upload directory that is also executable by Apache is the most dangerous finding because it creates a direct route to remote code execution. An attacker who can upload or replace a server-executable file can often trigger code on the server simply by requesting that file. The content-type weakness makes exploitation even easier, but the writable executable path is the core problem that should be fixed first. Why others are wrong: The outdated plug-in, printer default community, and missing disk encryption are all security concerns, but they are less directly exploitable than a writable web directory that executes uploaded content. This question is about the highest-risk misconfiguration, and the upload path clearly provides the shortest path to compromise.
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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