Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A tester enters a crafted search term into an internal web application and sees no error message, but the page response always delays by exactly five seconds when the input includes a single quote followed by a conditional sleep function. The returned results look normal, so the tester repeats the request several times and the timing remains consistent. Which 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.
A
Distractor review
Reflected cross-site scripting, because the tester's input is being echoed back into the response.
Reflected XSS would cause script execution in the browser. A timing-based delay without browser script behavior is more consistent with database probing than client-side execution.
B
Distractor review
Command injection, because the application is pausing while executing system-level sleep commands.
Command injection would typically affect the operating system or shell. The described behavior matches database response timing driven by crafted SQL conditions, not shell command execution.
C
Best answer
Time-based blind SQL injection, because the attacker is inferring database behavior from delayed responses.
The timing pattern is the critical clue. When an application does not reveal errors or data directly, an attacker can still infer whether injected SQL changes control flow by measuring response delays. A single quote plus a conditional sleep is a classic sign of time-based blind SQL injection. The normal-looking results and consistent pauses show the query is being influenced even without visible error output.
D
Distractor review
Session fixation, because the tester is manipulating how the application handles user input over time.
Session fixation concerns forcing or preserving a session identifier before authentication. It does not produce repeatable, query-dependent response delays tied to a search field.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
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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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Time-based blind SQL injection, because the attacker is inferring database behavior from delayed responses. — Time-based blind SQL injection is the best answer because the tester can influence backend query behavior even though no error or data leak is visible. The consistent delay after a crafted input is the key indicator that the application is evaluating attacker-controlled SQL conditions. When direct output is hidden, response timing becomes a side channel for confirming whether the injection worked. Why others are wrong: Reflected XSS would execute in a browser and usually involves script behavior, not backend timing. Command injection would affect system commands and often show operational side effects unrelated to database query evaluation. Session fixation is about controlling session identifiers, not about forcing predictable delays from a search parameter.
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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