Question 774 of 1,013
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
A scanner reports a critical vulnerability on an internal Linux server. The administrator verifies the package is installed, but the vulnerable code path is only present in a plugin that has been disabled and removed from the service startup. The server cannot be patched until a vendor maintenance window next month. What is the best next step?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume a disabled plugin means zero risk, but the exam expects you to recognize that the package is still installed and could be exploited if re-enabled, so formal risk acceptance with compensating controls is required rather than ignoring or re-enabling the plugin.
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
✓
Create a time-limited exception and apply compensating controls until patching is possible
The vulnerability exists in a disabled plugin, meaning the attack surface is reduced but not eliminated; residual risk remains if the plugin is re-enabled or if other dependencies are affected. Creating a time-limited exception with compensating controls (e.g., firewall rules, file permissions, SELinux policies) allows the organization to formally accept the risk until the vendor patch is applied, which aligns with standard vulnerability management processes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ignore the finding because the scanner is clearly wrong
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring the scanner's finding outright is risky because false positives still require formal validation and documentation before they can be dismissed. The reported vulnerability may represent a genuine exposure on the Linux server, and without verifying the package version, patch status, and exploitability, the organization could remain blind to a critical threat. All findings should be triaged through the vulnerability management process, not dismissed based on assumption.
- ✓
Create a time-limited exception and apply compensating controls until patching is possible
Why this is correct
Creating a time-limited exception is a recognized risk treatment strategy that acknowledges the need to patch while balancing operational constraints. By formally accepting the risk for a defined period, the team must implement compensating controls such as strict network segmentation, host-based firewall rules, or enhanced logging to reduce the likelihood of exploitation. This approach also sets a clear deadline for a permanent fix, ensuring the vulnerability is not indefinitely deferred.
- ✗
Reinstall the disabled plugin so the scanner output matches the running configuration
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling a disabled plugin to align the scanner's output with the running configuration is a form of security by obscurity that only increases the attack surface. The vulnerable package remains present, and re-enabling it could make the flaw actively exploitable instead of dormant. The goal of vulnerability management is to eliminate or mitigate the underlying issue, not to make the scan report look clean.
- ✗
Expose the server to the internet for faster monitoring and patch testing
Why it's wrong here
Exposing an internal server to the internet would exponentially increase its risk profile by making it discoverable and reachable by any external actor, thereby inviting attacks from the broader threat landscape. Faster monitoring and patch testing do not require public exposure; they can be accomplished using internal jump boxes, patch management servers, or isolated test networks. This action directly contradicts the security objective and is never an appropriate remediation step.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on SY0-701
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A scanner reports a critical vulnerability on an internal Linux server. The administrator confirms the vulnerable package is installed, but the affected feature is only enabled when an optional module is loaded, and that module is currently disabled. The server also requires downtime for patching. What is the best next step?
medium- A.Immediately accept the risk and leave the server unchanged
- ✓ B.Verify whether the vulnerable function is reachable, then apply a compensating control or schedule remediation
- C.Mark the finding as a false positive and close the ticket
- D.Remove the server from production immediately and rebuild it from scratch
Why B: Even though the vulnerable module is disabled, the administrator must first verify whether the vulnerable function is reachable through other means (e.g., via a different service or misconfiguration). If it is reachable, applying a compensating control (like a firewall rule or SELinux policy) can mitigate risk without immediate downtime, allowing patching to be scheduled. If it is unreachable, the vulnerability is not currently exploitable, but remediation should still be scheduled to eliminate the vulnerable package. This aligns with the principle of defense-in-depth and proper risk management.
Variation 2. A vulnerability scanner reports a critical issue on a Linux server. The administrator checks the application and confirms the vulnerable package is installed, but the affected feature is not enabled anywhere in production. What should the security team do next?
easy- A.Ignore the finding permanently because the package is installed
- ✓ B.Validate whether the issue is a false positive or lower-risk finding before prioritizing remediation
- C.Immediately shut down the server without further investigation
- D.Apply an exception without documenting any compensating controls
Why B: The vulnerability scanner reports a critical issue, but the administrator has confirmed the vulnerable package is installed while the affected feature is not enabled in production. This means the actual risk is lower than the scanner's severity rating, as exploitation requires the feature to be active. The security team should validate whether this is a false positive or a lower-risk finding to prioritize remediation efforts appropriately, ensuring resources are allocated to genuine threats.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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