The answer is SQL injection. This is correct because the error log reveals a SQL query containing a single quote and the tautological condition '1'='1', which are classic indicators of an attacker attempting to manipulate the database query to bypass authentication or extract unauthorized data. For the CRISC exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify SQL injection risk identification from logs, a critical skill for risk practitioners who must recognize attack patterns in system outputs. A common trap is misreading the log as a syntax error or simple misconfiguration, but the deliberate injection of SQL code through user input is the hallmark of this threat. Remember the mnemonic "Quote and True" — a single quote followed by a logical tautology like '1'='1' almost always signals a SQL injection attempt.
CRISC IT Risk Identification Practice Question
This CRISC practice question tests your understanding of it risk identification. 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
Error log:
Error: SQL syntax error near ' OR 1=1 --
Refer to the exhibit. What is the most likely risk indicated by this error log?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SQL injection
The error log shows a SQL query with a single quote (') in the input, which is a classic indicator of a SQL injection attempt. The query 'SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = 'admin' OR '1'='1'' is attempting to manipulate the SQL statement to bypass authentication or extract data. This directly corresponds to SQL injection (option B), as the attacker is injecting malicious SQL code through user input.
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.
✗
Buffer overflow
Why it's wrong here
Buffer overflow is a memory corruption vulnerability, not related to this error.
✓
SQL injection
Why this is correct
The error line contains a SQL injection payload (' OR 1=1 --), indicating an attempt to exploit a SQL injection vulnerability.
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.
✗
Denial of service
Why it's wrong here
A single SQL error does not indicate a denial of service attack.
✗
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site scripting involves injecting client-side scripts, not SQL syntax errors.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse SQL injection with cross-site scripting because both involve input manipulation, but the key distinction is the context: SQL injection targets the database layer via SQL queries, while XSS targets the browser via HTML/JavaScript rendering.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQL injection exploits improper input validation by inserting SQL metacharacters like single quotes (') or comment sequences (--). In this case, the injected 'OR '1'='1' clause makes the WHERE condition always true, potentially returning all rows. Real-world attacks often use UNION-based injection to extract data from other tables, or time-based blind injection to infer database structure via delays (e.g., WAITFOR DELAY).
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 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
IT Risk Identification — This question tests IT Risk Identification — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SQL injection — The error log shows a SQL query with a single quote (') in the input, which is a classic indicator of a SQL injection attempt. The query 'SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = 'admin' OR '1'='1'' is attempting to manipulate the SQL statement to bypass authentication or extract data. This directly corresponds to SQL injection (option B), as the attacker is injecting malicious SQL code through user input.
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.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.