Question 1mediummulti select
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Quick Answer
The correct answer is cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection (SQLi), and XML external entity (XXE) injection, as these three are consistently listed among the most critical common web application vulnerabilities in the OWASP Top 10. XSS allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, typically through unsanitized input fields or URL parameters, while SQL injection exploits improper input sanitization in database queries to manipulate or extract data. XXE injection targets poorly configured XML parsers, enabling attackers to process external entities that can lead to data disclosure or server-side request forgery. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your ability to identify OWASP-referenced flaws that directly threaten web application integrity, often appearing in scenario-based multiple-choice questions where distractors like buffer overflows or race conditions are common traps. A useful memory tip is to think of the acronym “X-S-X” for the three injection-based attacks: XSS, SQLi, and XXE, all of which exploit insufficient input validation.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 team is reviewing vulnerabilities in a web application. Which three of the following are common web application vulnerabilities that should be addressed? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a common web application vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, often through input fields or URL parameters. SQL injection occurs when an application improperly sanitizes user input in SQL queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the database. XML external entity (XXE) injection exploits poorly configured XML parsers to process external entities, leading to data disclosure or server-side request forgery. These three are consistently listed in the OWASP Top 10 as critical web application flaws.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between web application vulnerabilities (like XSS, SQLi, XXE) and network-level attacks (like ARP poisoning, DNS cache poisoning, evil twin), so candidates mistakenly select network attacks because they are familiar, but they are not specific to web applications.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
XSS exploits the trust a user's browser has in a web application, often bypassing same-origin policy; stored XSS can persist in databases and affect all users. SQL injection can be used to bypass authentication or extract entire tables via UNION-based or blind techniques. XXE attacks leverage XML parsers that do not disable external entity processing, allowing attackers to read files like /etc/passwd or perform SSRF by referencing internal URLs.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
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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: Cross-site scripting (XSS) — Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a common web application vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, often through input fields or URL parameters. SQL injection occurs when an application improperly sanitizes user input in SQL queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the database. XML external entity (XXE) injection exploits poorly configured XML parsers to process external entities, leading to data disclosure or server-side request forgery. These three are consistently listed in the OWASP Top 10 as critical web application flaws.
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
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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.
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