- A
Cross-site scripting
Why wrong: Cross-site scripting injects script into a page or session, but it does not primarily explain unauthorized access to another user's object by changing an ID.
- B
Broken access control
Broken access control occurs when the application fails to properly verify whether an authenticated user is allowed to access a specific object or resource. Changing the invoice ID reveals that authorization is missing or weak.
- C
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection manipulates backend queries through crafted input, but the described behavior is direct object access, not a database query error pattern.
- D
Cross-site request forgery
Why wrong: CSRF tricks a victim's browser into sending unwanted actions, but here the user is directly modifying a URL and viewing another object's data.
Quick Answer
The answer is broken access control, specifically an insecure direct object reference (IDOR) flaw. This occurs because the application trusts the user-supplied `invoiceId` parameter without verifying that the authenticated user is authorized to access the resource identified by `invoiceId=8843`. By simply changing a numeric value in the URL, the user bypasses any server-side authorization check, exposing another customer’s invoice PDF. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of access control failures under Domain 3 (Implementation), often disguised as a parameter tampering or IDOR question. A common trap is confusing IDOR with authentication flaws—remember that the user is already logged in, so the issue is not missing login but missing authorization. Memory tip: IDOR stands for “I Directly Own Resources”—if you can change an ID in the URL and see someone else’s data, that’s broken access control.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A support agent notices that changing `invoiceId=8842` to `invoiceId=8843` in a portal URL returns another customer's invoice PDF without any additional login prompt. The user is already authenticated to the application. Which vulnerability is most likely present?
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.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Broken access control
The vulnerability is broken access control (B) because the application fails to verify that the authenticated user is authorized to access the resource identified by `invoiceId=8843`. By simply changing a numeric parameter in the URL, the user can view another customer's invoice PDF without any additional authentication or authorization check. This is a classic insecure direct object reference (IDOR) flaw, which falls under the broader category of broken access control.
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.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site scripting injects script into a page or session, but it does not primarily explain unauthorized access to another user's object by changing an ID.
- ✓
Broken access control
Why this is correct
Broken access control occurs when the application fails to properly verify whether an authenticated user is allowed to access a specific object or resource. Changing the invoice ID reveals that authorization is missing or weak.
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.
- ✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection manipulates backend queries through crafted input, but the described behavior is direct object access, not a database query error pattern.
- ✗
Cross-site request forgery
Why it's wrong here
CSRF tricks a victim's browser into sending unwanted actions, but here the user is directly modifying a URL and viewing another object's data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse IDOR with SQL injection because both involve manipulating input parameters, but IDOR is about missing authorization checks, not database query injection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Insecure direct object references (IDOR) occur when an application exposes internal object references (like database keys or file paths) in URLs or parameters without proper access control checks. For example, if the invoice PDF is stored with a filename matching the `invoiceId`, the server might simply serve the file without verifying that the user owns that invoice. A robust fix would involve implementing an access control list (ACL) or using indirect references (e.g., a random UUID instead of a sequential integer) to prevent enumeration.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
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: Broken access control — The vulnerability is broken access control (B) because the application fails to verify that the authenticated user is authorized to access the resource identified by `invoiceId=8843`. By simply changing a numeric parameter in the URL, the user can view another customer's invoice PDF without any additional authentication or authorization check. This is a classic insecure direct object reference (IDOR) flaw, which falls under the broader category of broken access control.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SY0-701 exam.
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