- A
Cross-site scripting, because the attacker is trying to run code in the browser.
Why wrong: Cross-site scripting targets the browser context, but this example is bypassing server-side authentication logic.
- B
SQL injection, because the input changes the meaning of the database query.
SQL injection occurs when untrusted input is embedded into a query and alters the intended logic. The crafted string closes the original condition and adds a statement that evaluates as true, which can bypass authentication checks. This is a classic sign that the application is constructing queries unsafely instead of using parameterized statements or properly bound variables.
- C
Broken session management, because the user is still logged in after leaving the page.
Why wrong: Session abuse can be dangerous, but the initial problem here is query manipulation before authentication succeeds.
- D
Insecure deserialization, because the application accepts user input.
Why wrong: Insecure deserialization involves manipulating serialized objects, not changing the structure of a database query with SQL syntax.
Quick Answer
The answer is SQL injection, specifically a tautology attack, because the input `' OR '1'='1'--` manipulates the backend query to always evaluate as true, bypassing authentication entirely. This works by injecting an always-true condition (`OR '1'='1'`) and using `--` to comment out the password check, so the database returns a valid row without requiring a correct password. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this tests your understanding of injection flaws in the "Attacks" domain, often appearing in scenario-based questions where unsanitized input leads to unauthorized access. A common trap is confusing this with a buffer overflow or cross-site scripting, but the key clue is the structural change to the SQL query itself. Remember the mnemonic "Tautology Tricks the Truth"—if the injected logic forces a statement to always be true, it’s a SQL injection authentication bypass.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 web login form uses unsanitized input in the backend query. When an attacker enters `' OR '1'='1'--` into the username field, the application grants access without a valid password. Which attack pattern is being used?
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
SQL injection, because the input changes the meaning of the database query.
Option B is correct because the attacker's input (`' OR '1'='1'--`) is a classic SQL injection payload that alters the structure of the backend SQL query. By injecting a tautology (`OR '1'='1'`) and commenting out the rest of the query with `--`, the attacker bypasses authentication, causing the database to return a valid row without requiring a correct password.
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, because the attacker is trying to run code in the browser.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site scripting targets the browser context, but this example is bypassing server-side authentication logic.
- ✓
SQL injection, because the input changes the meaning of the database query.
Why this is correct
SQL injection occurs when untrusted input is embedded into a query and alters the intended logic. The crafted string closes the original condition and adds a statement that evaluates as true, which can bypass authentication checks. This is a classic sign that the application is constructing queries unsafely instead of using parameterized statements or properly bound variables.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Broken session management, because the user is still logged in after leaving the page.
Why it's wrong here
Session abuse can be dangerous, but the initial problem here is query manipulation before authentication succeeds.
- ✗
Insecure deserialization, because the application accepts user input.
Why it's wrong here
Insecure deserialization involves manipulating serialized objects, not changing the structure of a database query with SQL syntax.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse SQL injection with cross-site scripting because both involve untrusted input, but SQL injection targets the database layer through query manipulation, whereas XSS targets the client-side DOM or browser execution context.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the unsanitized input is concatenated directly into a SQL statement such as `SELECT * FROM users WHERE username='' OR '1'='1'--' AND password=''`. The `--` sequence comments out the password check, and the `OR '1'='1'` evaluates to true for every row, often returning the first user (commonly an admin). In real-world scenarios, attackers can use stacked queries or UNION-based injection to extract data from other tables, making parameterized queries (prepared statements) the only reliable defense.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SY0-701 questions
1,152 questions across all exam domains
- →
Security+ SY0-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SY0-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
General Security Concepts practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to General Security Concepts.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Program Management and Oversight practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Program Management and Oversight.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Practice this exam
Start a free SY0-701 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: SQL injection, because the input changes the meaning of the database query. — Option B is correct because the attacker's input (`' OR '1'='1'--`) is a classic SQL injection payload that alters the structure of the backend SQL query. By injecting a tautology (`OR '1'='1'`) and commenting out the rest of the query with `--`, the attacker bypasses authentication, causing the database to return a valid row without requiring a correct password.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.