CISM Information Security Risk Management Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Network Architecture Description: - Internet facing web server (DMZ) - Application server (internal trust zone) - Database server (restricted zone) - All zones separated by firewalls - Admin access to database server requires VPN + jump host - All traffic from web server to application server encrypted with TLS 1.3 - Application server has direct access to database using SQL authentication
Which of the following is the most significant risk in this architecture?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often mistake a common security control (like TLS 1.3 or VPN) for a risk, or they fail to recognize that direct SQL authentication is a dangerous architectural flaw that bypasses all centralized authentication and authorization controls.
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
✓
Direct SQL authentication from application server to database
Direct SQL authentication from the application server to the database bypasses any centralized authentication or service account management, creating a single point of failure for credential compromise. If the application server is breached, an attacker can extract hardcoded or stored database credentials and gain unfettered access to the database, leading to potential data exfiltration or destruction. This risk is magnified because direct SQL authentication often uses static, long-lived credentials without the layered controls (e.g., MFA, session auditing) that would be present in a more robust authentication path.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Segmentation of network zones
Why it's wrong here
Segmentation is a control.
- ✗
Admin access via VPN and jump host
Why it's wrong here
This is a good security control.
- ✗
Use of TLS 1.3 for encryption
Why it's wrong here
TLS 1.3 is secure.
- ✓
Direct SQL authentication from application server to database
Why this is correct
If app server is compromised, database can be accessed directly.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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