Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Web application log excerpt: Request: GET /search?q=acme' OR '1'='1'-- HTTP/1.1 Response: 500 Internal Server Error Database log: syntax error near "OR" at line 1 Developer note: the search feature appends user input directly into the SQL query string without parameterization.
Based on the exhibit, what type of web attack is most likely taking place?
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, because the input is visible in the URL and causes an error.
Cross-site scripting would involve injecting script content that runs in a browser context. The exhibit shows database syntax errors tied to SQL query construction, not script execution in the client.
B
Best answer
SQL injection, because the attacker is manipulating the database query with crafted input.
This is SQL injection because the input includes SQL control characters and logic that alter the intended query. The database error and the developer note about string concatenation confirm that user-supplied data is being inserted directly into SQL without parameterization. That makes the application vulnerable to query manipulation.
C
Distractor review
Broken authentication, because the application returns a 500 error.
Broken authentication involves weaknesses in login, session handling, or credential verification. A server error after crafted search input does not indicate authentication failure, so this is not the best fit.
D
Distractor review
Insecure deserialization, because the application is parsing attacker-controlled data.
Insecure deserialization usually involves tampered serialized objects leading to code execution or logic abuse. The log here shows direct SQL syntax manipulation, which is a different attack pattern.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SQL injection, because the attacker is manipulating the database query with crafted input. — The correct answer is SQL injection. The query string contains SQL logic that changes the meaning of the database statement, and the database error confirms the application is building the query by concatenating user input. When an application does not use parameterized queries or prepared statements, an attacker can inject conditions such as always-true logic to influence what data is returned or how the database behaves. Why others are wrong: Cross-site scripting targets browsers and script execution, not database syntax errors. Broken authentication is about login and session weaknesses, which are not shown here. Insecure deserialization requires malicious object handling, not raw SQL control characters. The exhibit explicitly shows query manipulation and a database syntax error, so SQL injection is the clear answer.
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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