Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst is investigating a series of alerts from the web application firewall. Users are reporting that when they view a product review page on the company's e-commerce site, their browser automatically redirects to a malicious website. The analyst examines the database and finds that a product review submitted by a user contains a <script> tag that loads a JavaScript file from an external domain. Which type of attack has occurred?
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
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
CSRF attacks trick a user's browser into making an unwanted request to a web application in which the user is authenticated, often resulting in actions like changing a password or making a transaction. The described scenario involves script injection and automatic redirects, not unauthorized action requests.
B
Best answer
Stored cross-site scripting (XSS)
This is correct. The injected script is permanently stored in the database (in the product review) and executes when other users view the page, which is the defining characteristic of stored (persistent) XSS.
C
Distractor review
SQL injection
SQL injection targets the database layer by manipulating SQL queries through user input. While it could be used to insert malicious scripts, the symptom described (automatic browser redirect from a web page) is directly caused by client-side script execution, not database manipulation.
D
Distractor review
Reflected cross-site scripting (XSS)
Reflected XSS involves malicious script reflected from the web server, typically via a URL parameter or form input, and it is not stored permanently. In this case, the script was found in the database and affects all users visiting the page, which indicates stored XSS.
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.
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Security+ security operations questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ security operations questions.
Security+ zero trust questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ zero trust questions.
Security+ authentication factors questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ authentication factors questions.
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: Stored cross-site scripting (XSS) — Stored cross-site scripting (XSS) occurs when an attacker injects malicious script into a web application's database, and that script is executed by the browsers of other users who view the affected page. In this scenario, the script tag persisted in the product review and executed when the page was loaded, causing the redirect. Stored XSS is more dangerous than reflected XSS because it does not require a crafted link and affects all users visiting the compromised page.
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
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.