- A
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why wrong: Cross-site scripting involves injecting malicious scripts into a web application that execute in a victim's browser. It does not allow direct execution of system commands on the server.
- B
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection targets database queries by inserting malicious SQL statements. The scenario involves system command execution, not database manipulation.
- C
Command injection
Command injection allows an attacker to execute arbitrary system commands by exploiting unsanitized input passed to system calls. The use of a semicolon to chain commands is a classic indicator of this attack.
- D
Directory traversal
Why wrong: Directory traversal attacks exploit insufficient path sanitation to access files outside the intended directory. While it deals with file access, it does not involve executing system commands or chaining multiple commands.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is command injection, because the web application passes unsanitized user input directly into a system command, allowing the attacker to use a semicolon to chain a second malicious command. In this scenario, the input 'file.txt; cat /etc/passwd' terminates the intended file-reading command and executes an arbitrary command to retrieve sensitive system data, which is the hallmark of a command injection attack. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this type of question tests your ability to distinguish command injection from similar threats like SQL injection or directory traversal; the key clue is the direct execution of operating system commands through the application interface. A common trap is confusing this with code injection, but remember that command injection specifically targets the underlying shell or OS. For a quick memory tip, think of the semicolon as a "command chainer"—if you see a semicolon, pipe, or ampersand in user input that triggers a system call, it is almost certainly command injection.
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 web application that allows users to input a filename to view its contents. The application passes the user input directly to a system command without sanitization. An attacker submits the input 'file.txt; cat /etc/passwd' and successfully retrieves the contents of the password file. Which type of attack 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
Command injection
The application passes user input directly to a system command without sanitization. The attacker's input 'file.txt; cat /etc/passwd' uses a semicolon to terminate the intended command and execute a second command, which retrieves the password file. This is a classic command injection attack, where arbitrary system commands are executed via the vulnerable interface.
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 scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site scripting involves injecting malicious scripts into a web application that execute in a victim's browser. It does not allow direct execution of system commands on the server.
- ✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection targets database queries by inserting malicious SQL statements. The scenario involves system command execution, not database manipulation.
- ✓
Command injection
Why this is correct
Command injection allows an attacker to execute arbitrary system commands by exploiting unsanitized input passed to system calls. The use of a semicolon to chain commands is a classic indicator of this attack.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Directory traversal
Why it's wrong here
Directory traversal attacks exploit insufficient path sanitation to access files outside the intended directory. While it deals with file access, it does not involve executing system commands or chaining multiple commands.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between command injection and directory traversal by using a payload that includes both a path and a command separator, leading candidates to mistakenly choose directory traversal when the core exploit is command execution via shell metacharacters.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Cross-site scripting involves injecting malicious scripts into a web application that execute in a victim's browser. It does not allow direct execution of system commands on the server.
Scenario analysis trap
SQL injection targets database queries by inserting malicious SQL statements. The scenario involves system command execution, not database manipulation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Command injection exploits the lack of input validation when user input is concatenated into a system command string. The semicolon is a command separator in Unix/Linux shells, allowing multiple commands to be executed sequentially. In real-world scenarios, this vulnerability can be mitigated by using parameterized APIs (e.g., subprocess.run with a list in Python) or strict allowlists for filenames, rather than shell escaping, which is often incomplete.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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: Command injection — The application passes user input directly to a system command without sanitization. The attacker's input 'file.txt; cat /etc/passwd' uses a semicolon to terminate the intended command and execute a second command, which retrieves the password file. This is a classic command injection attack, where arbitrary system commands are executed via the vulnerable interface.
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 →
Keep practising
More SY0-701 practice questions
- An HR analyst must send a salary file to an external auditor. The auditor only needs names, departments, and salary tota…
- An investigator receives a suspect laptop drive that may be used in court. Which approach best supports a forensically s…
- An investigator must collect data from a suspected insider-threat laptop so the evidence could be used in an HR and lega…
- An NDR tool shows a production web server sending small, periodic DNS queries to random-looking subdomains under a domai…
- An investigator needs to make a forensic image of a suspect laptop without changing the original drive contents. Which t…
- An operations team manages Linux servers over SSH. The security team wants to stop direct management access from employe…
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.