The answer is a brute-force or credential stuffing attack. This is correct because the log entries show repeated failed login attempts for the 'admin' account, each returning a duplicate entry error, followed by a sudden successful login, which is the classic pattern of an attacker systematically trying multiple passwords until one works. For the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control CRISC exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between authentication-based attacks and web application vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS, which would produce different error codes or reflected output. A common trap is confusing the duplicate error with a database error, but the key indicator is the sequence of failures followed by success. Memory tip: think of a brute-force attack as a battering ram hitting the same door repeatedly until it opens, while credential stuffing uses stolen keys on many doors.
CRISC Risk Response and Mitigation Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of risk response and mitigation. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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: Error log from a web application
```
2024-07-22 14:23:45 ERROR: org.hibernate.exception.ConstraintViolationException: could not execute statement
2024-07-22 14:23:45 ERROR: java.sql.SQLException: Duplicate entry 'admin' for key 'username'
2024-07-22 14:23:46 INFO: User 'admin' login successful
```
Refer to the exhibit. Which type of attack is MOST likely indicated by these log entries?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit: Error log from a web application
```
2024-07-22 14:23:45 ERROR: org.hibernate.exception.ConstraintViolationException: could not execute statement
2024-07-22 14:23:45 ERROR: java.sql.SQLException: Duplicate entry 'admin' for key 'username'
2024-07-22 14:23:46 INFO: User 'admin' login successful
```
A
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection usually shows syntax errors.
B
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why wrong: XSS appears as script execution in browser.
C
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why wrong: CSRF typically does not produce database constraint errors.
D
Brute-force or credential stuffing
Duplicate entry error and login success indicate multiple attempts.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Brute-force or credential stuffing
Option C is correct because the duplicate entry error for 'admin' combined with successful login suggests a brute-force or credential stuffing attack where an attacker tries multiple passwords. Option A is wrong because SQL injection would show different errors. Option B is wrong because XSS appears in output. Option D is wrong because CSRF lacks session manipulation.
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.
✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection usually shows syntax errors.
✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS appears as script execution in browser.
✗
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
CSRF typically does not produce database constraint errors.
✓
Brute-force or credential stuffing
Why this is correct
Duplicate entry error and login success indicate multiple attempts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SQL injection usually shows syntax errors.
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 CRISC 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 CRISC 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.
Risk Response and Mitigation — This question tests Risk Response and Mitigation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute-force or credential stuffing — Option C is correct because the duplicate entry error for 'admin' combined with successful login suggests a brute-force or credential stuffing attack where an attacker tries multiple passwords. Option A is wrong because SQL injection would show different errors. Option B is wrong because XSS appears in output. Option D is wrong because CSRF lacks session manipulation.
What should I do if I get this CRISC question wrong?
Identify which CRISC 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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