Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A security analyst is reviewing the source code of a custom web application. The application receives JSON data from users, which includes a 'type' field. The application uses the 'type' field to determine which Java class to instantiate, and then calls a method on that object. The application does not validate or sanitize the 'type' field. An attacker sends a crafted JSON payload that causes the application to instantiate an unexpected class, leading to remote code execution. Which type of vulnerability does this example describe?
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
SQL injection
SQL injection involves injecting malicious SQL code into queries via user input. The scenario does not involve any database interactions or SQL commands; it involves instantiating arbitrary classes from user-supplied data, which is characteristic of insecure deserialization, not SQL injection.
B
Distractor review
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a client-side vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This scenario involves server-side code execution through unsafe class instantiation, not injection of scripts into a web page, so XSS is not the correct classification.
C
Best answer
Insecure deserialization
Correct. Insecure deserialization occurs when an application deserializes untrusted data, allowing an attacker to control serialized objects or, as in this case, the class name to be instantiated. This can lead to remote code execution, denial of service, or privilege escalation.
D
Distractor review
Directory traversal
Directory traversal is an attack that exploits insufficient input validation to access files outside the web root directory. This scenario does not involve file path manipulation; it involves the insecure instantiation of arbitrary classes from untrusted data, which is a deserialization issue.
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.
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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: Insecure deserialization — This scenario describes an insecure deserialization vulnerability. Insecure deserialization occurs when an application deserializes data from an untrusted source without proper validation, allowing an attacker to manipulate serialized objects to execute arbitrary code, perform a denial-of-service attack, or bypass authentication. Here, the attacker controls the 'type' field, which is used to instantiate a class, leading to remote code execution. This is a classic example of insecure deserialization, often seen in applications that use polymorphic deserialization without restrictions.
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.
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