The answer is that allowing application servers to initiate outbound internet connections is the most critical security weakness. This is because such outbound connections create a direct path for malware or an attacker to establish command-and-control channels, exfiltrate sensitive data, or download additional payloads, bypassing typical inbound firewall rules. On the Certified Information Systems Auditor CISA exam, this concept tests your understanding of defense-in-depth and the principle of least connectivity—a common trap is focusing on inbound threats while overlooking the risk of outbound internet connections from internal servers. Remember that application servers should only communicate with known, internal resources; any unsolicited outbound internet traffic is a red flag. A useful memory tip: “Outbound is the inbound you don’t see coming”—always scrutinize what leaves your network, not just what enters it.
CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information systems acquisition, development and implementation. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
The following architecture description is for a financial transaction processing system:
- Web servers in DMZ handle user requests.
- Application servers process business logic.
- Database servers store transaction records.
- All traffic between tiers is encrypted usng TLS.
- Logs are collected centrally in a SIEM.
- A firewall separates the DMZ from internal network.
- Application servers can initiate outbound connections to the internet for updates.
Refer to the exhibit. An IS auditor is reviewing the architecture. Which of the following is the MOST critical security weakness?
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
The following architecture description is for a financial transaction processing system:
- Web servers in DMZ handle user requests.
- Application servers process business logic.
- Database servers store transaction records.
- All traffic between tiers is encrypted usng TLS.
- Logs are collected centrally in a SIEM.
- A firewall separates the DMZ from internal network.
- Application servers can initiate outbound connections to the internet for updates.
A
Application servers can initiate outbound internet connections.
This bypasses security controls and can be exploited.
B
The use of TLS between tiers.
Why wrong: TLS is a security control, not a weakness.
C
Centralized logging to a SIEM.
Why wrong: SIEM enhances monitoring.
D
Lack of encryption on the database server.
Why wrong: TLS encrypts traffic; database-level encryption is not mentioned but not a critical weakness in this context.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Application servers can initiate outbound internet connections.
Option C is correct because allowing application servers to initiate outbound connections to the internet is a common attack vector (e.g., for command and control). Option A is acceptable; B is not a weakness; D is not mentioned or required.
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.
✓
Application servers can initiate outbound internet connections.
Why this is correct
This bypasses security controls and can be exploited.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
TLS encrypts traffic; database-level encryption is not mentioned but not a critical weakness in this context.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 CISA 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 CISA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — This question tests Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Application servers can initiate outbound internet connections. — Option C is correct because allowing application servers to initiate outbound connections to the internet is a common attack vector (e.g., for command and control). Option A is acceptable; B is not a weakness; D is not mentioned or required.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which CISA exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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