- A
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why wrong: XSS usually involves injecting script that runs in a browser. A database syntax error after a quote points to a backend SQL problem instead.
- B
SQL injection
SQL injection happens when user input is inserted into a database query without proper validation or parameterization. A single quote causing a syntax error is a common sign that the input is affecting the SQL statement.
- C
CSRF
Why wrong: CSRF abuses an authenticated user’s browser to send unwanted requests. It does not usually cause a SQL syntax error from a single quote in a search field.
- D
SSRF
Why wrong: SSRF tricks the server into making requests to internal or external resources. The behavior described here is about database query construction, not server-side URL fetching.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 support portal has a search field that accepts customer last names. After a tester enters a single quote, the application returns a database syntax error. Which attack is the tester most likely trying to verify?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
SQL injection
The tester is most likely trying to verify a SQL injection vulnerability. Entering a single quote into a search field that interacts with a database can break the SQL query syntax if user input is improperly sanitized, causing the database to return a syntax error. This error indicates that the input is being directly concatenated into a SQL statement, confirming the presence of a SQL injection flaw.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS usually involves injecting script that runs in a browser. A database syntax error after a quote points to a backend SQL problem instead.
- ✓
SQL injection
Why this is correct
SQL injection happens when user input is inserted into a database query without proper validation or parameterization. A single quote causing a syntax error is a common sign that the input is affecting the SQL statement.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
CSRF
Why it's wrong here
CSRF abuses an authenticated user’s browser to send unwanted requests. It does not usually cause a SQL syntax error from a single quote in a search field.
- ✗
SSRF
Why it's wrong here
SSRF tricks the server into making requests to internal or external resources. The behavior described here is about database query construction, not server-side URL fetching.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the database syntax error with a client-side script execution indicator, leading them to choose XSS, but the error is a direct result of SQL syntax breakage, not script injection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQL injection exploits the lack of parameterized queries or prepared statements; when user input like a single quote is inserted directly into a SQL string, it can prematurely terminate the string literal, causing the database to interpret the subsequent characters as SQL syntax. For example, a query like SELECT * FROM users WHERE last_name = '$input' becomes SELECT * FROM users WHERE last_name = ''', which results in a syntax error. In real-world scenarios, attackers use this error to infer database structure and craft payloads for data exfiltration or authentication bypass.
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: SQL injection — The tester is most likely trying to verify a SQL injection vulnerability. Entering a single quote into a search field that interacts with a database can break the SQL query syntax if user input is improperly sanitized, causing the database to return a syntax error. This error indicates that the input is being directly concatenated into a SQL statement, confirming the presence of a SQL injection flaw.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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