The answer is a supply chain compromise attack. This is the correct choice because the scenario describes a trusted third-party library that, after a routine update, introduced unauthorized outbound connections to an unfamiliar domain—a classic indicator that the library’s code was maliciously altered before or during distribution. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your ability to recognize that modern software dependencies are a prime vector for supply chain compromise, where attackers inject backdoors into legitimate updates. A common trap is to confuse this with a direct malware infection or a configuration error, but the key clue is that the behavior started immediately after a dependency update, not from a separate breach. Remember the mnemonic “Dependency Update = Supply Chain Suspect” to link any suspicious post-update behavior directly to this threat.
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.
After a routine dependency update, a development team notices that the customer portal begins making outbound connections to an unfamiliar domain during startup. The domain is not part of the application design, and the behavior started immediately after the third-party library was updated. Which 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.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Supply-chain compromise
The scenario describes a supply-chain compromise, where a trusted third-party library has been maliciously altered to include unauthorized outbound connections. This is a classic software supply-chain attack, as the dependency update introduced code that phones home to an unfamiliar domain, indicating the library's integrity was compromised before or during distribution.
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.
✓
Supply-chain compromise
Why this is correct
A compromised dependency can introduce malicious behavior through trusted software updates or packages.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Evil twin access point
Why it's wrong here
An evil twin is a rogue wireless access point and would not explain unexpected outbound application connections.
✗
Bluetooth pairing abuse
Why it's wrong here
Bluetooth abuse targets nearby device pairing and short-range communication, not a web application dependency.
✗
DNS poisoning on the client network
Why it's wrong here
DNS poisoning could redirect traffic, but the timing tied to the library update points more directly to the dependency itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse supply-chain compromise with DNS poisoning, because both involve unexpected outbound connections, but DNS poisoning would affect all network traffic and not be tied to a specific library update.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Supply-chain attacks often exploit package managers (e.g., npm, pip, Maven) that automatically fetch dependencies from public repositories. Attackers may publish malicious versions of popular libraries (typosquatting or account takeover) that include backdoors, such as a reverse shell or beaconing to a C2 server. In this case, the outbound connection during startup suggests the malicious code executes early in the application lifecycle, potentially exfiltrating environment variables or credentials.
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.
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: Supply-chain compromise — The scenario describes a supply-chain compromise, where a trusted third-party library has been maliciously altered to include unauthorized outbound connections. This is a classic software supply-chain attack, as the dependency update introduced code that phones home to an unfamiliar domain, indicating the library's integrity was compromised before or during distribution.
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", "immediately / without restart". 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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