The answer is implementing compensating controls. When a critical vulnerability is actively exploited in a core network device like a Cisco router, the immediate risk response must reduce the attack surface without waiting for a vendor patch. Compensating controls—such as deploying an access control list (ACL) to block the exploit’s specific traffic pattern or enabling Control Plane Policing (CoPP)—directly mitigate the threat by buying time for a permanent fix. On the CRISC exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between risk response options: accepting, avoiding, transferring, or mitigating. The common trap is choosing “accept” because it seems faster, but that leaves the organization exposed. Instead, remember that compensating controls are a form of mitigation that addresses the immediate risk response for critical vulnerability without requiring system downtime. A useful memory tip: “ACL first, patch later”—compensating controls are the emergency brake, not the repair.
CRISC IT Risk Assessment Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk assessment. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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: CLI output from a vulnerability scanner:
Host: 10.10.10.10
Port: 443
Vulnerability: CVE-2024-1234
CVSS Score: 9.8
Exploit Available: Yes
Patch Available: No
Based on the exhibit, what is the MOST appropriate immediate risk response?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement compensating controls
The exhibit indicates a critical vulnerability in a core network device (e.g., a Cisco router with a known CVE in its IOS) that is actively being exploited. Implementing compensating controls, such as deploying an access control list (ACL) to block the exploit's specific traffic pattern or enabling Control Plane Policing (CoPP), immediately reduces the attack surface while a permanent patch is scheduled. This is the most appropriate response because it directly mitigates the risk without waiting for a vendor fix or accepting potential compromise.
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.
✗
Transfer the risk
Why it's wrong here
Transfer is not an immediate action for technical vulnerability.
✗
Accept the risk
Why it's wrong here
Acceptance is inappropriate for a critical vulnerability with exploit.
✓
Implement compensating controls
Why this is correct
Compensating controls reduce risk until a patch is available.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Ignore the risk
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring risk is not a valid response.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'accept the risk' as a valid immediate response when the question emphasizes 'immediate,' failing to recognize that compensating controls are the correct first step to reduce exposure before acceptance or transfer can be considered.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Compensating controls in this context often involve leveraging existing device features like ACLs to filter malicious packets based on source/destination IP, port, or protocol, or using CoPP to rate-limit traffic to the CPU. For example, if the vulnerability is in the HTTP server of a Cisco IOS device, an ACL can block TCP port 80/443 to the device's management interface. This approach buys time for a full patch cycle, but must be carefully tested to avoid disrupting legitimate traffic, as ACLs can inadvertently block necessary management or routing protocols like BGP or OSPF.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
IT Risk Assessment — This question tests IT Risk Assessment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement compensating controls — The exhibit indicates a critical vulnerability in a core network device (e.g., a Cisco router with a known CVE in its IOS) that is actively being exploited. Implementing compensating controls, such as deploying an access control list (ACL) to block the exploit's specific traffic pattern or enabling Control Plane Policing (CoPP), immediately reduces the attack surface while a permanent patch is scheduled. This is the most appropriate response because it directly mitigates the risk without waiting for a vendor fix or accepting potential compromise.
What should I do if I get this CRISC 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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Question Discussion
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