- A
SQL injection, because the database is being queried with unsafe concatenated input.
Why wrong: SQL injection targets backend database queries and would usually affect data access, not script execution in another user's browser.
- B
Cross-site scripting, because untrusted content is executed in another user's browser context.
Cross-site scripting occurs when attacker-supplied input is rendered as active script, allowing redirects, pop-ups, and credential theft in other users' sessions.
- C
Cross-site request forgery, because the attacker is forcing the victim to submit a form automatically.
Why wrong: CSRF abuses an authenticated user's browser to send unauthorized requests, but it does not rely on injected script being displayed to others.
- D
Broken authentication, because the login system is failing to verify usernames correctly.
Why wrong: Broken authentication would involve weak login handling or credential validation issues, not script execution caused by stored profile content.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is cross-site scripting, specifically a stored cross-site scripting attack. This is because the malicious script entered as a display name is permanently stored on the server and later executed in the browsers of other users who view the profile, making it a classic case of untrusted user input being rendered without sanitization. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how stored XSS differs from reflected or DOM-based XSS—the key distinction being that the payload is saved and affects every subsequent viewer, not just the initial victim. A common trap is confusing this with SQL injection, but remember: XSS executes in the browser, not the database. To recall the concept, think “store and deploy”—the script is stored once, then deployed to many victims, making it especially dangerous for spreading malware or stealing session tokens.
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.
A web application lets users save a profile "display name." One employee enters a value that contains script code, and later other users who view that profile start seeing pop-ups and redirects to a fake login page. Which attack is most likely occurring?
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
Cross-site scripting, because untrusted content is executed in another user's browser context.
Option B is correct because the employee's display name containing script code is stored in the database and later rendered in the browsers of other users without proper sanitization. This is a classic stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack, where untrusted user input is executed as HTML/JavaScript in the context of another user's session, leading to pop-ups and redirects to a fake login page.
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.
- ✗
SQL injection, because the database is being queried with unsafe concatenated input.
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection targets backend database queries and would usually affect data access, not script execution in another user's browser.
- ✓
Cross-site scripting, because untrusted content is executed in another user's browser context.
Why this is correct
Cross-site scripting occurs when attacker-supplied input is rendered as active script, allowing redirects, pop-ups, and credential theft in other users' sessions.
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.
- ✗
Cross-site request forgery, because the attacker is forcing the victim to submit a form automatically.
Why it's wrong here
CSRF abuses an authenticated user's browser to send unauthorized requests, but it does not rely on injected script being displayed to others.
- ✗
Broken authentication, because the login system is failing to verify usernames correctly.
Why it's wrong here
Broken authentication would involve weak login handling or credential validation issues, not script execution caused by stored profile content.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse stored XSS with SQL injection because both involve database storage, but the key distinction is that XSS executes client-side scripts in another user's browser, whereas SQL injection manipulates server-side queries.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Stored XSS occurs when user input is persisted (e.g., in a database) and later served to other users without proper output encoding. The script code runs in the victim's browser with the same origin as the web application, allowing it to access cookies, session tokens, or perform actions on behalf of the user. Real-world examples include forum posts or profile fields that execute JavaScript, leading to session hijacking or phishing attacks.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
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: Cross-site scripting, because untrusted content is executed in another user's browser context. — Option B is correct because the employee's display name containing script code is stored in the database and later rendered in the browsers of other users without proper sanitization. This is a classic stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack, where untrusted user input is executed as HTML/JavaScript in the context of another user's session, leading to pop-ups and redirects to a fake login page.
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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