- A
A zero-day vulnerability in the browser.
Why wrong: Zero-day exploits target unknown flaws; this attack relied on user deception, not a technical bug.
- B
An insecure direct object reference (IDOR) vulnerability.
Why wrong: IDOR is a web application vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to data; it is not relevant to fake update prompts.
- C
Social engineering.
The user was manipulated into installing the extension by a deceptive prompt, which is a classic social engineering technique.
- D
A cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack.
Why wrong: CSRF tricks a user into executing unwanted actions on a trusted site; this scenario involves installing an extension via deception.
Question 360 of 750
Social Engineering: Fake Browser Extension Attack
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of browser and application security. 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.
During a security incident response, you discover that a user's browser has a rogue extension that exfiltrates data to a remote server. The extension was installed after the user clicked a fake update prompt on a website. What vulnerability was exploited?
Quick Answer
The answer is social engineering, because the attack exploited the user’s trust rather than a technical vulnerability in the browser or operating system. In a social engineering browser extension attack, the victim is deceived into installing a rogue extension by clicking a fake update prompt, which then exfiltrates data to a remote server. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between human-factor exploits and technical flaws like unpatched software or weak encryption. A common trap is to assume a browser vulnerability was involved, but the key is that the user willingly installed the extension after being tricked. Remember: if the user’s action—not a system bug—enabled the breach, it’s social engineering. Memory tip: “Trust tricked, not tech cracked.”
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
✓
Social engineering.
The correct answer is C because the attack exploited the user's trust and lack of caution, not a technical flaw in the browser or web application. The user was tricked into installing a rogue extension by clicking a fake update prompt, which is a classic social engineering technique that manipulates human psychology rather than exploiting code vulnerabilities.
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.
- ✗
A zero-day vulnerability in the browser.
Why it's wrong here
Zero-day exploits target unknown flaws; this attack relied on user deception, not a technical bug.
- ✗
An insecure direct object reference (IDOR) vulnerability.
Why it's wrong here
IDOR is a web application vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to data; it is not relevant to fake update prompts.
- ✓
Social engineering.
Why this is correct
The user was manipulated into installing the extension by a deceptive prompt, which is a classic social engineering technique.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack.
Why it's wrong here
CSRF tricks a user into executing unwanted actions on a trusted site; this scenario involves installing an extension via deception.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The A+ exam often tests the distinction between technical exploits and human-factor attacks, and the trap here is that candidates may assume any browser-related compromise must involve a technical vulnerability like a zero-day, overlooking that social engineering bypasses technical controls entirely.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
CSRF tricks a user into executing unwanted actions on a trusted site; this scenario involves installing an extension via deception.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Social engineering in browser security often leverages fake update dialogs that mimic legitimate browser or plugin update notifications, using convincing UI elements and urgency to bypass user skepticism. Under the hood, the rogue extension can use Chrome's `webRequest` API or Firefox's `webRequest` to intercept and exfiltrate data, or inject malicious scripts into pages via content scripts, all without exploiting a browser vulnerability. In real-world incidents, such as the 2017 'Pirate Bay' fake Flash update campaign, attackers used social engineering to distribute adware and credential-stealing extensions that persisted across browser restarts.
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.
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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: Social engineering. — The correct answer is C because the attack exploited the user's trust and lack of caution, not a technical flaw in the browser or web application. The user was tricked into installing a rogue extension by clicking a fake update prompt, which is a classic social engineering technique that manipulates human psychology rather than exploiting code vulnerabilities.
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.
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: 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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