- A
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious input.
Why wrong: A WAF can provide some protection by detecting and blocking common SQL injection patterns, but it is a compensating control and can be bypassed. It does not fix the underlying vulnerability in the application code.
- B
Update the database driver to a version that supports parameterized queries.
Parameterized queries ensure that user input is treated as data, not executable code, which is the definitive prevention for SQL injection. Updating the driver to support this is the best long-term mitigation.
- C
Encode all user input using HTML encoding.
Why wrong: HTML encoding is effective against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, but it does not prevent SQL injection because it does not alter how the input is interpreted by the database.
- D
Disable error messages that reveal database schema.
Why wrong: Disabling detailed error messages makes it harder for an attacker to gather information about the database, but it does not prevent the SQL injection attack itself.
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 security analyst discovers that an organization's web application is vulnerable to SQL injection. The application uses a legacy database driver that does not support parameterized queries. Which of the following is the BEST mitigation to prevent this vulnerability?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Update the database driver to a version that supports parameterized queries.
Option B is correct because the root cause of the SQL injection vulnerability is the legacy database driver that does not support parameterized queries. Updating the driver to a modern version that supports parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) allows the application to separate SQL logic from user-supplied data, effectively preventing SQL injection at the database layer. This addresses the fundamental flaw rather than relying on external filtering or encoding.
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.
- ✗
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious input.
Why it's wrong here
A WAF can provide some protection by detecting and blocking common SQL injection patterns, but it is a compensating control and can be bypassed. It does not fix the underlying vulnerability in the application code.
- ✓
Update the database driver to a version that supports parameterized queries.
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries ensure that user input is treated as data, not executable code, which is the definitive prevention for SQL injection. Updating the driver to support this is the best long-term mitigation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Encode all user input using HTML encoding.
Why it's wrong here
HTML encoding is effective against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, but it does not prevent SQL injection because it does not alter how the input is interpreted by the database.
- ✗
Disable error messages that reveal database schema.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling detailed error messages makes it harder for an attacker to gather information about the database, but it does not prevent the SQL injection attack itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose a WAF (Option A) as a quick fix, overlooking that it only mitigates symptoms rather than eliminating the root cause, which is the lack of parameterized query support in the database driver.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Parameterized queries work by sending the SQL statement and the user input as separate data streams to the database server, ensuring that input is never interpreted as executable SQL code. In contrast, legacy drivers that lack this feature concatenate user input directly into the SQL string, allowing an attacker to break out of the intended query context. A real-world scenario is the 2017 Equifax breach, where a failure to use parameterized queries in a web application led to the exfiltration of sensitive data.
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
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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: Update the database driver to a version that supports parameterized queries. — Option B is correct because the root cause of the SQL injection vulnerability is the legacy database driver that does not support parameterized queries. Updating the driver to a modern version that supports parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) allows the application to separate SQL logic from user-supplied data, effectively preventing SQL injection at the database layer. This addresses the fundamental flaw rather than relying on external filtering or encoding.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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