- A
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why wrong: 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
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
SQL injection
Why wrong: 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
Reflected cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why wrong: 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.
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 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
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Stored cross-site scripting (XSS)
The attack is stored cross-site scripting (XSS) because the malicious <script> tag was permanently stored in the product review database. When any user views the product review page, the browser loads and executes the external JavaScript file from the attacker's domain, causing an automatic redirect to a malicious website. This matches the classic stored XSS pattern where payload persists in server-side storage and executes in the victim's browser context.
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.
- ✗
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
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.
- ✓
Stored cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why this is correct
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
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.
- ✗
Reflected cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
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 traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing stored XSS with CSRF because both involve user interaction and redirects, but stored XSS is about injecting persistent client-side code, while CSRF forges requests without injecting scripts.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Stored XSS occurs when user input is not properly sanitized before being stored in a database and later rendered in a web page without encoding. The <script> tag's src attribute loads an external JavaScript file via HTTP GET, which runs in the same origin as the e-commerce site, giving it full access to cookies, DOM, and session tokens. Real-world attacks often use obfuscated JavaScript to bypass WAF rules and perform credential theft or drive-by downloads.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SY0-701 questions
1,152 questions across all exam domains
- →
Security+ SY0-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SY0-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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.
General Security Concepts practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to General Security Concepts.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Program Management and Oversight practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Program Management and Oversight.
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.
Practice this exam
Start a free SY0-701 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Stored cross-site scripting (XSS) — The attack is stored cross-site scripting (XSS) because the malicious <script> tag was permanently stored in the product review database. When any user views the product review page, the browser loads and executes the external JavaScript file from the attacker's domain, causing an automatic redirect to a malicious website. This matches the classic stored XSS pattern where payload persists in server-side storage and executes in the victim's browser context.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.