hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CRISC Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, which of the following…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Architecture description: The organization has a three-tier web application: web servers (public subnet), application servers (private subnet), and database servers (private subnet). The web servers communicate with application servers via HTTPS. Application servers query the database using SQL with embedded credentials. The database has direct internet access for remote administration via SSH, but access is restricted to a single IP address of the DBA's home office.
Based on the exhibit, which of the following poses the HIGHEST risk to the environment?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISACA often tests the misconception that 'encryption always reduces risk' or that 'public subnets are inherently dangerous,' when in reality the highest risk is exposing management interfaces (like SSH) directly to the internet, not the application-layer exposure of web servers.
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
✓
The database has a direct SSH connection from the internet
A direct SSH connection from the internet to the database server bypasses all network segmentation and firewall controls, exposing the database to brute-force attacks, credential theft, and unauthorized remote access. SSH is a management protocol, not an application protocol, and its exposure on the internet creates a direct attack surface on the most sensitive data tier, which is the highest risk to the environment.
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 web servers are in a public subnet
Why it's wrong here
That is by design; the risk is managed through firewalls.
- ✗
The communication between web and application servers is encrypted via HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is a control, not a risk.
- ✗
The application servers use embedded credentials to access the database
Why it's wrong here
This is a security weakness but lower risk than direct external access to the database.
- ✓
The database has a direct SSH connection from the internet
Why this is correct
Direct internet access to the database, even from a single IP, exposes a critical asset to external threats.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CRISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CRISC exam.