A security analyst is reviewing web server logs from an e-commerce application. The logs show repeated requests containing URLs with appended strings such as: `' OR '1'='1' --` and `'; DROP TABLE Users; --`. The application returned HTTP 200 responses with unexpected data in several instances. Which type of attack is most likely being attempted?
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.
Best answer
SQL injection
Correct. The log entries show SQL syntax such as `OR '1'='1'` and `DROP TABLE`, which are classic indicators of SQL injection attempts. This attack exploits improper input sanitization to manipulate database queries.
Distractor review
LDAP injection
Incorrect. LDAP injection attacks target Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) queries, not SQL databases. The patterns shown are SQL-specific, not LDAP filter syntax (e.g., `(&(uid=*)(userPassword=*))`).
Distractor review
Command injection
Incorrect. Command injection attempts to execute arbitrary operating system commands through a vulnerable application. The logs show SQL syntax, not shell metacharacters like `;`, `|`, or `&&` typically used in command injection.
Distractor review
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Incorrect. XSS involves injecting client-side scripts (e.g., JavaScript) into web pages viewed by other users. The log entries contain SQL code, not script tags or event handlers like `<script>alert(1)</script>`.
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: SQL injection — The observed patterns are classic SQL injection attempts. The `' OR '1'='1' --` string attempts to bypass authentication by creating a true condition, and `'; DROP TABLE Users; --` attempts to execute a destructive SQL command. A successful SQL injection can allow an attacker to read, modify, or delete database contents. LDAP injection targets directory services, command injection executes OS commands, and XSS injects client-side scripts.
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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