- A
Ignore the finding because the scanner is clearly wrong
Why wrong: The package is present, so the finding should not be dismissed without documentation, validation, and risk review.
- B
Create a time-limited exception and apply compensating controls until patching is possible
A temporary exception with compensating controls balances business constraints and security while the team schedules a proper fix.
- C
Reinstall the disabled plugin so the scanner output matches the running configuration
Why wrong: Reinstalling the plugin would increase exposure instead of reducing risk, even if it satisfied the scan result visually.
- D
Expose the server to the internet for faster monitoring and patch testing
Why wrong: Placing the server on the internet would significantly increase risk and is not a valid remediation strategy.
Quick Answer
The answer is to create a time-limited exception and apply compensating controls until patching is possible. This is correct because even though the vulnerable plugin is disabled, the code still resides on the system and could be re-enabled accidentally or exploited through a dependency, meaning the attack surface is reduced but not eliminated. A time-limited exception formally documents the accepted risk while compensating controls—such as restrictive firewall rules, SELinux policies, or file permission changes—mitigate the residual threat until the vendor patch is applied. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of vulnerability management processes, specifically how to handle a disabled plugin that still poses a risk. A common trap is assuming a disabled service is completely safe, but the exam emphasizes that “disabled” does not equal “removed.” Remember the mnemonic “DICE”: Disabled, Isolate, Compensate, Exception—to handle any unpatched but inactive vulnerability.
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. A key principle to apply: compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed.. 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 scanner reports a critical vulnerability on an internal Linux server. The administrator verifies the package is installed, but the vulnerable code path is only present in a plugin that has been disabled and removed from the service startup. The server cannot be patched until a vendor maintenance window next month. What is the best next step?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Create a time-limited exception and apply compensating controls until patching is possible
Option B is correct because the vulnerability exists in a disabled plugin, meaning the attack surface is reduced but not eliminated; residual risk remains if the plugin is re-enabled or if other dependencies are affected. Creating a time-limited exception with compensating controls (e.g., firewall rules, file permissions, SELinux policies) allows the organization to formally accept the risk until the vendor patch is applied, which aligns with standard vulnerability management processes.
Key principle: Compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ignore the finding because the scanner is clearly wrong
Why it's wrong here
The package is present, so the finding should not be dismissed without documentation, validation, and risk review.
- ✓
Create a time-limited exception and apply compensating controls until patching is possible
Why this is correct
A temporary exception with compensating controls balances business constraints and security while the team schedules a proper fix.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed.
- ✗
Reinstall the disabled plugin so the scanner output matches the running configuration
Why it's wrong here
Reinstalling the plugin would increase exposure instead of reducing risk, even if it satisfied the scan result visually.
- ✗
Expose the server to the internet for faster monitoring and patch testing
Why it's wrong here
Placing the server on the internet would significantly increase risk and is not a valid remediation strategy.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a disabled plugin means zero risk, but the exam expects you to recognize that the package is still installed and could be exploited if re-enabled, so formal risk acceptance with compensating controls is required rather than ignoring or re-enabling the plugin.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Linux, a package may contain multiple binaries or libraries, and simply disabling a plugin (e.g., via systemctl mask or removing a .so file from a load path) does not remove the package from the system; the vulnerable code still resides on disk and could be executed if the plugin is accidentally re-enabled or triggered by another process. Compensating controls might include using iptables to block the plugin’s listening port, setting file permissions to 000 on the plugin binary, or applying a kernel-level seccomp filter to prevent execution. This scenario mirrors real-world cases like the Dirty Pipe vulnerability (CVE-2022-0847) where a disabled feature still left the kernel module present.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed.
- Time-limited exceptions are formal, documented deviations from security policy.
- Risk assessment involves understanding both likelihood and impact of a vulnerability.
- Vulnerability management requires validation and appropriate remediation strategies.
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
Compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed.
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.
Review compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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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 — Compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a time-limited exception and apply compensating controls until patching is possible — Option B is correct because the vulnerability exists in a disabled plugin, meaning the attack surface is reduced but not eliminated; residual risk remains if the plugin is re-enabled or if other dependencies are affected. Creating a time-limited exception with compensating controls (e.g., firewall rules, file permissions, SELinux policies) allows the organization to formally accept the risk until the vendor patch is applied, which aligns with standard vulnerability management processes.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Review compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Compensating controls mitigate risk when primary controls are absent or delayed.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on SY0-701
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A scanner reports a critical vulnerability on an internal Linux server. The administrator confirms the vulnerable package is installed, but the affected feature is only enabled when an optional module is loaded, and that module is currently disabled. The server also requires downtime for patching. What is the best next step?
medium- A.Immediately accept the risk and leave the server unchanged
- ✓ B.Verify whether the vulnerable function is reachable, then apply a compensating control or schedule remediation
- C.Mark the finding as a false positive and close the ticket
- D.Remove the server from production immediately and rebuild it from scratch
Why B: Option B is correct because even though the vulnerable module is disabled, the administrator must first verify that the vulnerable function is not reachable through other means (e.g., via a different service or misconfiguration). If it is unreachable, applying a compensating control (like a firewall rule or SELinux policy) can mitigate risk without immediate downtime, allowing patching to be scheduled. This aligns with the principle of defense-in-depth and proper risk management.
Variation 2. A vulnerability scanner reports a critical issue on a Linux server. The administrator checks the application and confirms the vulnerable package is installed, but the affected feature is not enabled anywhere in production. What should the security team do next?
easy- A.Ignore the finding permanently because the package is installed
- ✓ B.Validate whether the issue is a false positive or lower-risk finding before prioritizing remediation
- C.Immediately shut down the server without further investigation
- D.Apply an exception without documenting any compensating controls
Why B: Option B is correct because the vulnerability scanner reports a critical issue, but the administrator has confirmed the vulnerable package is installed while the affected feature is not enabled in production. This means the actual risk is lower than the scanner's severity rating, as exploitation requires the feature to be active. The security team should validate whether this is a false positive or a lower-risk finding to prioritize remediation efforts appropriately, ensuring resources are allocated to genuine threats.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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