A security analyst is reviewing web server logs after a user reports that the company website displayed an error message containing raw database queries. The log shows repeated requests to the product search page with the following parameter: `?id=1 OR 1=1`. Which of the following should the analyst do FIRST to confirm the nature of the suspected attack?
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.
Distractor review
Run a vulnerability scan against the web server.
While a vulnerability scan could eventually identify the SQL injection flaw, it is not the immediate first step. The analyst needs to quickly determine if the attack was successful or blocked, which is better done via log correlation.
Distractor review
Block the source IP address in the firewall.
Blocking the IP may be a later containment step, but it does not help confirm the nature of the attack. The IP could be spoofed or belong to a legitimate user whose session was hijacked. Confirmation via WAF logs is needed first.
Best answer
Verify the request details against the web application firewall logs.
This is the correct first step. The WAF logs will show if the request was identified as malicious and blocked, or if it passed through. This confirmation is crucial before any further action.
Distractor review
Isolate the web server from the network immediately.
Isolating the server without confirmation could cause unnecessary business disruption. The analyst should first confirm the success of the attack via WAF logs and then follow the incident response plan.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify the request details against the web application firewall logs. — The log entry shows a classic SQL injection attempt (the 'OR 1=1' clause). Before escalating or taking automated action, the analyst should correlate this with other sources, particularly the web application firewall (WAF) logs, to see if the attack was blocked or if it succeeded. This step helps confirm the impact and guides the response. Running a vulnerability scan would be premature and time-consuming; simply blocking the IP might be reactive and could block legitimate users; isolating the web server would cause unnecessary downtime without confirmation.
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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