Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Application log excerpt: GET /thumbnail?imageUrl=http://169.254.169.254/latest/meta-data/iam/security-credentials/ Response status: 200 Returned content includes cloud role names and temporary credentials metadata Web server outbound connection recorded to the local metadata address
Based on the exhibit, which attack is the developer most likely observing?
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 (XSS)
XSS injects script into a browser response. The exhibit shows a server making its own request to a metadata service instead.
B
Best answer
Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
The application is being tricked into making a request to an internal metadata endpoint using a user-controlled URL parameter. That is server-side request forgery. SSRF is common in cloud environments because it can expose instance metadata, credentials, or internal services that should not be reachable from the outside.
C
Distractor review
SQL injection
SQL injection targets database queries by inserting malicious SQL syntax. The evidence here involves a URL parameter and an internal web request, not a database query string.
D
Distractor review
CSRF
CSRF tricks a logged-in user's browser into sending unwanted requests to another site. The exhibit shows the server itself requesting internal metadata, which is a different pattern.
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: Server-side request forgery (SSRF) — This is SSRF because the attacker controls a URL parameter that causes the web server to fetch an internal resource on the attacker's behalf. The metadata address is a well-known target in cloud environments, and the returned credentials make the impact severe. SSRF is especially important to recognize because it can bypass network restrictions by using the application as a trusted intermediary. Why others are wrong: XSS and CSRF are browser-side attacks and depend on a user's session or browser behavior, not the server fetching an internal URL. SQL injection targets database statements, which are not shown in the log. The critical clue is the server making a request to the internal metadata service because the attacker supplied the URL.
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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