Exhibit
CI Build Output Downloading package: report-utils@4.2.0 Expected integrity: sha512-F3d9e2f0e3a9c1... Actual integrity: sha512-7ab4d1c19f0a22... Source registry: registry.example.net Build status: WARN - package checksum mismatch Developer note: The update was pulled automatically during the nightly pipeline.
Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely issue with the software component being built?
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.
Best answer
Supply-chain compromise, because the dependency may have been altered before it reached the build pipeline.
A checksum or integrity mismatch during an automated dependency pull is a strong sign that the package may have been tampered with in transit or replaced in the software supply chain. Because the build pipeline trusted the registry source automatically, the control failure is around dependency integrity and third-party trust.
Distractor review
Cross-site scripting, because the package name suggests the application handles web content.
XSS is a web application attack involving malicious script in user-facing content. The exhibit is about a build pipeline downloading a package and comparing integrity values. There is no browser, user input field, or script execution evidence here.
Distractor review
Credential stuffing, because automated systems frequently reuse credentials during updates.
Credential stuffing relies on stolen username and password pairs being tried against logins. The log shows package download integrity validation, not authentication attempts. No user account access or password reuse is indicated in the build output.
Distractor review
Replay attack, because the nightly pipeline used an old copy of the package request.
Replay attacks involve capturing and resending valid communications to trick a system. Here, the issue is that the downloaded package's integrity does not match the expected value. That points to package tampering or dependency compromise, not a duplicated authentication message.
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: Supply-chain compromise, because the dependency may have been altered before it reached the build pipeline. — The best answer is supply-chain compromise. The package hash does not match the expected integrity value, which means the dependency may have been altered, replaced, or otherwise corrupted before the build consumed it. In modern software environments, this is a serious third-party risk because malicious or tampered dependencies can introduce backdoors into production through an otherwise trusted pipeline. Why others are wrong: XSS is unrelated to package integrity checks and browser content. Credential stuffing concerns login attempts, not build artifacts. Replay attacks involve resending captured communications, which does not explain a checksum mismatch on a downloaded library. The scenario is about dependency trust and integrity in the software supply chain.
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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