- A
The browser will run slower and may crash frequently.
Why wrong: While performance issues can occur, the primary risk is security-related, not performance.
- B
The user will be unable to view some web content.
Why wrong: Incompatibility is a usability issue, but the main concern is exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
- C
Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware.
Outdated plugins have unpatched security holes that attackers frequently target to compromise systems.
- D
The browser will automatically disable the plugin.
Why wrong: Modern browsers may block outdated plugins, but the risk remains until the plugin is updated or removed.
Question 368 of 750
Why Outdated Browser Plugins Are a Security Risk
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a security audit, you find that a user's browser has an outdated version of Adobe Flash Player installed. What is the primary security risk associated with this finding?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware. Outdated browser plugins like Adobe Flash Player are a significant security risk because they contain publicly documented flaws that cybercriminals can weaponize without needing sophisticated tools; once a vulnerability is known, exploit code often becomes widely available, allowing malware to be delivered through seemingly legitimate web content. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of attack vectors and the importance of patch management under domain 3.0 (Software Troubleshooting). A common trap is choosing an answer that focuses on the plugin simply slowing down the browser or causing display errors—while those are possible, the primary risk is always the exploitation of unpatched security holes. Remember the memory tip: “Old plugin, new malware” — if it’s outdated, it’s a welcome mat for attackers.
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
✓
Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware.
Outdated Adobe Flash Player versions contain publicly known vulnerabilities (CVEs) that attackers can exploit via drive-by downloads or malicious advertisements. Exploiting these flaws allows arbitrary code execution, enabling malware installation without user interaction. This is the primary security risk because unpatched plugins are a common entry point for ransomware, spyware, and botnets.
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.
- ✗
The browser will run slower and may crash frequently.
Why it's wrong here
While performance issues can occur, the primary risk is security-related, not performance.
- ✗
The user will be unable to view some web content.
Why it's wrong here
Incompatibility is a usability issue, but the main concern is exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
- ✓
Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware.
Why this is correct
Outdated plugins have unpatched security holes that attackers frequently target to compromise systems.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The browser will automatically disable the plugin.
Why it's wrong here
Modern browsers may block outdated plugins, but the risk remains until the plugin is updated or removed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between operational issues (performance, compatibility) and actual security vulnerabilities, trapping candidates who confuse 'annoying' with 'dangerous'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Flash Player uses ActiveX (Internet Explorer) or NPAPI (Firefox) plugin interfaces, which run with full user privileges. Attackers craft SWF files that trigger buffer overflows or use-after-free bugs (e.g., CVE-2018-4878) to bypass ASLR/DEP and execute shellcode. In a real-world scenario, a compromised ad network could serve a malicious Flash banner to thousands of users, silently installing a backdoor like Gh0st RAT before the browser auto-disables the plugin.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
- →
Browser and Application Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Browser and Application Security — This question tests Browser and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities in the plugin to install malware. — Outdated Adobe Flash Player versions contain publicly known vulnerabilities (CVEs) that attackers can exploit via drive-by downloads or malicious advertisements. Exploiting these flaws allows arbitrary code execution, enabling malware installation without user interaction. This is the primary security risk because unpatched plugins are a common entry point for ransomware, spyware, and botnets.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
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