- A
SQL injection, because the attacker is altering the database query through crafted input.
The injected condition `OR 1=1--` is a classic indicator that user input is being interpreted as part of a database query. The application returns too much data because the attacker has manipulated the SQL logic.
- B
Cross-site scripting, because malicious code is being reflected in the browser.
Why wrong: XSS targets the user's browser and typically injects script into pages or responses. This log shows database query manipulation and overbroad data return, which points to SQL injection instead.
- C
Cross-site request forgery, because the request appears to be an unauthorized action.
Why wrong: CSRF tricks an authenticated user into making an unwanted action. It does not usually involve modifying query logic with SQL syntax.
- D
Broken access control, because the API is not validating the user role correctly.
Why wrong: Broken access control can expose too much data, but the specific payload shown is designed to alter SQL logic. The attack is injection, not simply a missing authorization check.
Quick Answer
The answer is SQL injection, because the attacker is altering the database query through crafted input. The URL-decoded payload `OR 1=1--` appends a tautology that always evaluates to true, while the double-dash comments out the rest of the original query, causing the database to return all rows from the orders table instead of a single record. This scenario tests your ability to perform SQL injection detection in API logs, a key skill for the Security+ SY0-701 exam, where you must recognize how URL-encoded characters like `%20` (space) and `--` (SQL comment) are used to bypass input validation. A common trap is mistaking this for a parameter pollution or XSS attack, but the giveaway is the database returning multiple records—a direct sign of a broken WHERE clause. Memory tip: “OR 1=1 always wins” — if a single-record request suddenly dumps all records, think SQLi.
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.
An API log shows repeated requests such as `GET /api/orders?orderId=105%20OR%201=1--` followed by responses containing many customers' order records instead of one record. Which attack is most likely?
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, because the attacker is altering the database query through crafted input.
The request includes `%20OR%201=1--`, which URL-decodes to ` OR 1=1--`. This is a classic SQL injection payload that appends a tautology (`OR 1=1`) and comments out the rest of the query (`--`). The API log shows that instead of returning a single order record, the response contains many customers' order records, confirming that the injected condition bypassed the intended WHERE clause and returned all rows from the orders table.
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.
- ✓
SQL injection, because the attacker is altering the database query through crafted input.
Why this is correct
The injected condition `OR 1=1--` is a classic indicator that user input is being interpreted as part of a database query. The application returns too much data because the attacker has manipulated the SQL logic.
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.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting, because malicious code is being reflected in the browser.
Why it's wrong here
XSS targets the user's browser and typically injects script into pages or responses. This log shows database query manipulation and overbroad data return, which points to SQL injection instead.
- ✗
Cross-site request forgery, because the request appears to be an unauthorized action.
Why it's wrong here
CSRF tricks an authenticated user into making an unwanted action. It does not usually involve modifying query logic with SQL syntax.
- ✗
Broken access control, because the API is not validating the user role correctly.
Why it's wrong here
Broken access control can expose too much data, but the specific payload shown is designed to alter SQL logic. The attack is injection, not simply a missing authorization check.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may see the word 'API' and assume the attack is related to access control or CSRF, but the presence of SQL comment syntax (`--`) and the tautology (`OR 1=1`) in the request parameter is the definitive indicator of SQL injection.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
XSS targets the user's browser and typically injects script into pages or responses. This log shows database query manipulation and overbroad data return, which points to SQL injection instead.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `--` sequence is a SQL comment operator (in many databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MSSQL) that truncates the remainder of the query, neutralizing any additional conditions. The URL-encoded space `%20` is used to ensure the injection is syntactically valid. In a real-world scenario, an attacker could use this to extract all customer records, including PII, by exploiting a parameterized query that was not properly sanitized.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SY0-701 questions
1,152 questions across all exam domains
- →
Security+ SY0-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SY0-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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.
General Security Concepts practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to General Security Concepts.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Program Management and Oversight practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Program Management and Oversight.
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.
Practice this exam
Start a free SY0-701 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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, because the attacker is altering the database query through crafted input. — The request includes `%20OR%201=1--`, which URL-decodes to ` OR 1=1--`. This is a classic SQL injection payload that appends a tautology (`OR 1=1`) and comments out the rest of the query (`--`). The API log shows that instead of returning a single order record, the response contains many customers' order records, confirming that the injected condition bypassed the intended WHERE clause and returned all rows from the orders table.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on SY0-701
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. 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?
easy- A.Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- ✓ B.SQL injection
- C.CSRF
- D.SSRF
Why B: 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.
Variation 2. A web login form returns access after a tester enters `' OR '1'='1'--` into the username field. What type of attack is this?
easy- A.Cross-site scripting
- ✓ B.SQL injection
- C.Session hijacking
- D.Insecure deserialization
Why B: The input `' OR '1'='1'--` is a classic SQL injection payload that manipulates the SQL query logic. By injecting a single quote to break out of the string context, the `OR '1'='1'` condition makes the WHERE clause always true, and the `--` comments out the rest of the query. This bypasses authentication because the database returns a valid row, granting access without a correct password.
Keep practising
More SY0-701 practice questions
- An HR analyst must send a salary file to an external auditor. The auditor only needs names, departments, and salary tota…
- An investigator receives a suspect laptop drive that may be used in court. Which approach best supports a forensically s…
- An investigator must collect data from a suspected insider-threat laptop so the evidence could be used in an HR and lega…
- An NDR tool shows a production web server sending small, periodic DNS queries to random-looking subdomains under a domai…
- An investigator needs to make a forensic image of a suspect laptop without changing the original drive contents. Which t…
- An operations team manages Linux servers over SSH. The security team wants to stop direct management access from employe…
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.