Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A support agent notices that changing `invoiceId=8842` to `invoiceId=8843` in a portal URL returns another customer's invoice PDF without any additional login prompt. The user is already authenticated to the application. Which vulnerability is most likely present?
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
Cross-site scripting
Cross-site scripting injects script into a page or session, but it does not primarily explain unauthorized access to another user's object by changing an ID.
B
Best answer
Broken access control
Broken access control occurs when the application fails to properly verify whether an authenticated user is allowed to access a specific object or resource. Changing the invoice ID reveals that authorization is missing or weak.
C
Distractor review
SQL injection
SQL injection manipulates backend queries through crafted input, but the described behavior is direct object access, not a database query error pattern.
D
Distractor review
Cross-site request forgery
CSRF tricks a victim's browser into sending unwanted actions, but here the user is directly modifying a URL and viewing another object's data.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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.
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.
Security+ security operations questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ security operations questions.
Security+ zero trust questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ zero trust questions.
Security+ authentication factors questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ authentication factors questions.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Broken access control — Broken access control is the best answer because the application is not enforcing proper authorization checks for each invoice object. The user can change an identifier and retrieve another customer's document, which is a classic object-level access control failure. This is especially risky in portals and APIs where predictable IDs are exposed. Secure design should verify every request against the caller's permissions, not just the fact that the caller is logged in. Why others are wrong: Cross-site scripting would involve script execution in the browser, not unauthorized access to a different invoice by changing an ID. SQL injection targets the backend database query layer and would usually show different symptoms. CSRF forces a victim to perform an action through their browser, but the user here is manually altering the resource identifier, which points directly to access control failure.
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.
Discussion
Loading comments…
Sign in to join the discussion.