- A
An internal print server with a high-severity finding and no direct user access
Why wrong: The finding is serious, but the system is internal and has limited exposure. It is not the best first choice when a more exposed system is available.
- B
A lab workstation with a critical finding and no sensitive data
Why wrong: The severity is high, but the environment is isolated and the data is not sensitive. Exposure and business risk are lower than on an internet-facing system.
- C
An internet-facing application server with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit
An internet-facing system with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit has the highest immediate risk. Attackers can reach it easily, and public exploit code increases the chance of compromise, so it should be patched first.
- D
A user laptop with a medium-severity issue that requires local access
Why wrong: A medium-severity issue on a single laptop is less urgent than a critical, exploitable weakness on an exposed server. It is important, but not the top priority here.
Quick Answer
The answer is an internet-facing application server with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit. This is correct because vulnerability remediation priority must focus on assets with the highest risk, which is determined by combining exposure, severity, and exploitability. An internet-facing system is directly accessible from the internet, a critical vulnerability indicates severe potential impact, and a known exploit means attackers have a reliable method to compromise it, making this the most urgent threat to reduce the attack surface. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this concept tests your understanding of risk-based prioritization, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must choose between multiple vulnerable assets. A common trap is to patch based solely on CVSS score without considering exposure or exploit availability. Remember the memory tip: “Internet-facing, critical, and exploited—patch that first or get your network exploited.”
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 security team can patch only one system today. Which asset should be remediated first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
An internet-facing application server with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit
Option C is correct because an internet-facing application server with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit represents the highest risk: it is exposed to external threats, the vulnerability is critical, and a known exploit means attackers can reliably compromise it. Patching this system first reduces the likelihood of a remote breach that could lead to data exfiltration or service disruption, aligning with the principle of prioritizing assets with the greatest attack surface and exploitability.
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.
- ✗
An internal print server with a high-severity finding and no direct user access
Why it's wrong here
The finding is serious, but the system is internal and has limited exposure. It is not the best first choice when a more exposed system is available.
- ✗
A lab workstation with a critical finding and no sensitive data
Why it's wrong here
The severity is high, but the environment is isolated and the data is not sensitive. Exposure and business risk are lower than on an internet-facing system.
- ✓
An internet-facing application server with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit
Why this is correct
An internet-facing system with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit has the highest immediate risk. Attackers can reach it easily, and public exploit code increases the chance of compromise, so it should be patched first.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A user laptop with a medium-severity issue that requires local access
Why it's wrong here
A medium-severity issue on a single laptop is less urgent than a critical, exploitable weakness on an exposed server. It is important, but not the top priority here.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that the highest CVSS score (critical vs. high/medium) alone dictates remediation priority, but the trap here is that asset exposure and exploitability—specifically an internet-facing server with a known exploit—override internal assets with higher severity but lower risk.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In vulnerability management, risk is calculated as a function of threat, vulnerability, and impact—CVSS scores alone do not determine priority; asset exposure and exploit availability are key. For internet-facing servers, a critical vulnerability with a known exploit (e.g., CVE-2023-44487 in HTTP/2) can be weaponized by automated scanners or botnets within hours, whereas internal systems require an attacker to already have network access. Real-world breaches like the Equifax incident (CVE-2017-5638) highlight how unpatched internet-facing servers with known exploits lead to massive data loss, reinforcing the need to prioritize external assets.
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.
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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: An internet-facing application server with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit — Option C is correct because an internet-facing application server with a critical vulnerability and a known exploit represents the highest risk: it is exposed to external threats, the vulnerability is critical, and a known exploit means attackers can reliably compromise it. Patching this system first reduces the likelihood of a remote breach that could lead to data exfiltration or service disruption, aligning with the principle of prioritizing assets with the greatest attack surface and exploitability.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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