Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
External vulnerability scan summary for a small branch office server: Host: 203.0.113.44 Open ports: 22/tcp open ssh 80/tcp open http 5900/tcp open vnc Findings: - VNC authentication: disabled - SSH: restricted to password login only - Web admin page accessible from any source network - Server is in the DMZ and stores customer support tickets
Based on the exhibit, which security issue should the analyst report first?
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
Outdated component, because the scan did not list software version details.
There is no evidence of a specific obsolete package or version in the exhibit. The scan is highlighting access exposure and weak settings, not a known end-of-life component.
B
Best answer
Exposed service, because VNC and the web admin interface are reachable from untrusted networks.
The most important issue is the exposed service because remote management interfaces are reachable from any source network, and VNC authentication is disabled. That combination creates a high-risk attack surface, especially for a server in the DMZ that stores sensitive customer information.
C
Distractor review
Weak permissions, because SSH requires password login only.
Password-only SSH is a weakness, but the exhibit does not show file or folder permissions. The main risk is that externally reachable administrative services are exposed without strong access control.
D
Distractor review
Default credentials, because the server is in the DMZ.
The DMZ placement does not imply default credentials. The scan does not mention a factory username and password pair, so that is not supported by the evidence.
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: Exposed service, because VNC and the web admin interface are reachable from untrusted networks. — The correct answer is exposed service. The scan shows VNC open with authentication disabled and a web administration page accessible from any source network. That means remote management interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks, which greatly increases the chance of unauthorized access. Because the server sits in the DMZ and stores customer support tickets, reducing that exposure should be a top priority. Why others are wrong: Outdated component is not supported because no software version or end-of-life status is given. Weak permissions usually refers to file, folder, or object access rights, not the absence of authentication on exposed services. Default credentials are not shown in the scan. The strongest evidence is that remote administrative services are directly reachable, so exposed service is the best 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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