Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A web portal builds its database query by directly appending a user's search input. When the user types a single quote, the application returns a database error. Which attack is most likely?
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 affects browser-side script execution, not a backend database query error.
B
Best answer
SQL injection
SQL injection happens when untrusted input alters a database query the application should have protected.
C
Distractor review
DNS poisoning
DNS poisoning redirects name resolution, which does not explain a database error from search input.
D
Distractor review
Privilege escalation
Privilege escalation changes user permissions, but the clue here is query manipulation, not account rights.
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: SQL injection — The most likely attack is SQL injection because the application is directly concatenating user input into a database query. The single quote causing a database error is a classic sign that the input is influencing SQL syntax. Attackers often use this weakness to view, modify, or delete data. Secure coding practices include parameterized queries, input validation, and least-privilege database accounts. Why others are wrong: Cross-site scripting is a browser-side issue and would not usually produce a database syntax error. DNS poisoning affects how hosts resolve names to addresses, not how queries are built. Privilege escalation concerns gaining higher permissions on a system or account, which is not the behavior shown here.
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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