CSSLP Secure Software Concepts Practice Question
A developer is configuring a web application to use the principle of least privilege. Which action best aligns with this philosophy?
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
✓
Using a dedicated service account with granular permissions for database access.
Least privilege requires granting only the minimum necessary permissions for a task.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Granting the application access to all system environment variables.
Why it's wrong here
Excessive access increases the attack surface.
- ✓
Using a dedicated service account with granular permissions for database access.
Why this is correct
This restricts the account to only the specific permissions needed for the task.
- ✗
Enabling 'Everyone' write access to application configuration files.
Why it's wrong here
This is a security vulnerability that violates least privilege.
- ✗
Running the application process as 'root' or 'administrator'.
Why it's wrong here
This violates least privilege by granting excessive permissions.
About these practice questions
One of 198 original CSSLP practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This CSSLP practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 CSSLP exam.