Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A vulnerability scan reports three findings: a critical remote code execution issue on an internet-facing VPN appliance with a public exploit, a high-severity local privilege escalation on an isolated lab PC, and a medium-severity outdated browser plug-in on a workstation used for training. Which finding should be remediated first?
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
The isolated lab PC, because local privilege escalation is always the highest technical severity.
Local severity alone is not enough to drive priority. Exposure, exploitability, and business impact matter more than the label by itself.
B
Best answer
The internet-facing VPN appliance, because it combines critical severity, exposure, and public exploit availability.
The VPN appliance should be first because it is exposed to the internet, has a critical vulnerability, and has known exploit code available. That combination significantly increases the likelihood and impact of compromise, making it the most urgent remediation target.
C
Distractor review
The training workstation, because browser plug-ins are common entry points for attackers.
Browser plug-ins can be risky, but this finding is only medium severity and is less urgent than an internet-facing critical issue with public exploit code.
D
Distractor review
None of them, because all vulnerability findings should wait for the next planned maintenance cycle.
Waiting for a routine cycle is unsafe when a critical, internet-facing, exploitable issue is present. Priority must be based on risk, not schedule convenience.
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.
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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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The internet-facing VPN appliance, because it combines critical severity, exposure, and public exploit availability. — The VPN appliance should be remediated first because risk is driven by more than severity alone. Internet exposure and public exploit availability both raise the likelihood of compromise, and a VPN appliance often sits on a high-value trust boundary. A critical remote code execution issue on that system could provide direct entry to the internal network, so it is the clearest urgent fix. Why others are wrong: The isolated lab PC is less urgent because it is not exposed and is contained to a low-risk environment. The training workstation has a lower severity issue, so it should not outrank a critical exposed appliance. Deferring everything to a maintenance cycle ignores threat likelihood and could leave a known exploitable perimeter device vulnerable.
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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