Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Build pipeline notes: - Package manager updated dependency: "fast-logger" from 2.4.1 to 2.4.2 - New outbound connection at startup: api.fast-logger-support[.]com - No code changes were made by the development team - Security review note: "Dependency source is a recently created public repository account"
Based on the exhibit, which supply-chain threat is most likely?
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
Best answer
Dependency compromise
The application began contacting an unfamiliar domain immediately after a dependency update, and the package came from a newly created repository account. That strongly suggests dependency compromise, a supply-chain issue where a trusted library has been replaced or altered with malicious behavior.
B
Distractor review
Brute-force attack
Brute force targets authentication by trying many passwords or tokens. The exhibit shows suspicious behavior after a package update, not repeated login attempts.
C
Distractor review
SQL injection
SQL injection manipulates database queries through user input. The evidence here points to a third-party dependency and outbound network activity during startup.
D
Distractor review
Privilege escalation
Privilege escalation involves gaining higher access on a host or application. The exhibit instead shows a potentially malicious dependency introducing unexpected external communications.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Dependency compromise — Dependency compromise is the best fit because the problem began immediately after a third-party library update, and the library is now reaching out to an unexpected domain. That is a classic supply-chain warning sign. When the development team did not change application code but behavior changed after the package update, the library itself becomes the likely source of risk. Why others are wrong: Brute force would show repeated authentication failures, not a new network call from an updated package. SQL injection depends on malicious database input, which is not present here. Privilege escalation is about increasing permissions on a system, while the issue in the exhibit is an untrusted dependency behaving unexpectedly after installation.
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.
Discussion
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