The correct answer is that the IOS version is outdated and may contain security vulnerabilities, as this represents the most significant finding during a router audit. An outdated IOS version is a critical security finding because it often lacks patches for known exploits, leaving the device—and the entire network—exposed to attacks that could bypass access controls or enable remote code execution. On the CISA exam, this question tests your ability to prioritize risk over operational status; while other options might describe configuration mismatches or uptime issues, they do not carry the same immediate threat as running unsupported firmware with publicly documented vulnerabilities. A common trap is focusing on a router’s current operational state rather than its security posture, so remember that in auditing, unpatched software is always a higher risk than a non-critical misconfiguration. Memory tip: “Old code, new holes”—if the version is outdated, assume the holes are already known.
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:
```
[ROUTER1] show version
Cisco IOS Software, C880 Software (C880DATA-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.1(4)M6, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2013 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 27-Aug-13 23:32 by prod_rel_team
ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M14, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Router uptime is 2 years, 3 months, 1 week, 4 days
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:c880data-universalk9-mz.151-4.M6.bin"
```
Refer to the exhibit. The IS auditor reviews the router's version output during an audit. What is the MOST significant finding?
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit:
```
[ROUTER1] show version
Cisco IOS Software, C880 Software (C880DATA-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 15.1(4)M6, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2013 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 27-Aug-13 23:32 by prod_rel_team
ROM: System Bootstrap, Version 15.0(1r)M14, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc1)
Router uptime is 2 years, 3 months, 1 week, 4 days
System returned to ROM by power-on
System image file is "flash:c880data-universalk9-mz.151-4.M6.bin"
```
A
The router was returned to ROM by power-on.
Why wrong: Normal startup.
B
The router has been running for over two years without a reboot.
Why wrong: Long uptime may indicate stability but is not a major issue.
C
The system image is stored in flash memory.
Why wrong: This is standard.
D
The IOS version is outdated and may contain security vulnerabilities.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The IOS version is outdated and may contain security vulnerabilities.
The most significant finding is that the IOS version is outdated and may contain security vulnerabilities. An outdated IOS version can have known exploits that compromise the router's security, which is a critical risk for the organization. While other options describe operational states, they do not present the same level of immediate security threat as running unsupported or vulnerable firmware.
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 router was returned to ROM by power-on.
Why it's wrong here
Normal startup.
✗
The router has been running for over two years without a reboot.
Why it's wrong here
Long uptime may indicate stability but is not a major issue.
✗
The system image is stored in flash memory.
Why it's wrong here
This is standard.
✓
The IOS version is outdated and may contain security vulnerabilities.
Why this is correct
Outdated software is a critical finding.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates focus on operational details like uptime or boot process (options A and B) instead of recognizing that an outdated IOS version is a direct security risk, which is the most significant finding in an audit context.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco IOS versions have a lifecycle where older releases lose security support and are no longer patched for vulnerabilities such as CVE-2020-3118 (CDP) or CVE-2023-20007 (BGP). The 'show version' command displays the IOS version, uptime, and boot process, allowing auditors to compare against Cisco's End-of-Life (EOL) and End-of-Support (EOS) announcements. Running an outdated IOS exposes the router to exploits that can lead to denial of service, unauthorized access, or complete compromise.
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 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: The IOS version is outdated and may contain security vulnerabilities. — The most significant finding is that the IOS version is outdated and may contain security vulnerabilities. An outdated IOS version can have known exploits that compromise the router's security, which is a critical risk for the organization. While other options describe operational states, they do not present the same level of immediate security threat as running unsupported or vulnerable firmware.
What should I do if I get this CISA 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.
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