The answer is dependency compromise. This is the correct choice because a dependency compromise occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a trusted third-party component, such as a JavaScript library from a CDN or a software package from an external repository, which is then unknowingly pulled into an organization’s environment during updates or builds. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this supply chain dependency compromise scenario tests your understanding of how attackers exploit the implicit trust placed in external dependencies, often appearing in exhibits showing a developer’s build pipeline or a web application referencing an external script. A common trap is confusing this with a direct supply chain attack on hardware or a vendor’s internal systems, but the key distinction is that the compromise happens through a dependency you intentionally include. Remember the mnemonic “D.C. Trust” — Dependency Compromise exploits Trust in third-party code.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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"
A
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
Brute-force attack
Why wrong: Brute force targets authentication by trying many passwords or tokens. The exhibit shows suspicious behavior after a package update, not repeated login attempts.
C
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection manipulates database queries through user input. The evidence here points to a third-party dependency and outbound network activity during startup.
D
Privilege escalation
Why wrong: Privilege escalation involves gaining higher access on a host or application. The exhibit instead shows a potentially malicious dependency introducing unexpected external communications.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Dependency compromise
The exhibit shows a dependency on a third-party library (e.g., a JavaScript package from a CDN or a software component from an external repository). A dependency compromise occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into that trusted third-party component, which is then pulled into the organization's environment during updates or builds. This is the most likely supply-chain threat because it directly exploits the trust placed in external dependencies.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Dependency compromise
Why this is correct
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Brute-force attack
Why it's wrong here
Brute force targets authentication by trying many passwords or tokens. The exhibit shows suspicious behavior after a package update, not repeated login attempts.
✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection manipulates database queries through user input. The evidence here points to a third-party dependency and outbound network activity during startup.
✗
Privilege escalation
Why it's wrong here
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 traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between supply-chain attacks (compromising a trusted third-party component) and direct attacks on the organization's own systems; the trap here is that candidates may confuse a dependency compromise with a brute-force attack or SQL injection because they all involve unauthorized access, but the key difference is the vector—the dependency is externally sourced and trusted.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Brute force targets authentication by trying many passwords or tokens. The exhibit shows suspicious behavior after a package update, not repeated login attempts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A dependency compromise often involves techniques like typosquatting (registering a package with a similar name to a popular one) or compromising the upstream repository (e.g., npm, PyPI, or a Git submodule). Once the malicious dependency is integrated, it can execute arbitrary code during build or runtime, potentially exfiltrating secrets or deploying backdoors. Real-world examples include the event-stream incident (npm) and the SolarWinds Orion attack, where a compromised build pipeline delivered malware to thousands of customers.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SY0-701 question in full detail.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Dependency compromise — The exhibit shows a dependency on a third-party library (e.g., a JavaScript package from a CDN or a software component from an external repository). A dependency compromise occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into that trusted third-party component, which is then pulled into the organization's environment during updates or builds. This is the most likely supply-chain threat because it directly exploits the trust placed in external dependencies.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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